The BMW M8 was never produced, but the engine has twice won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the chassis of McLaren and Williams!

In 1990, the sports department developed a version of the BMW "M" Series 8. Its V12 60° engine, consisted of two rows of six cylinders from the M3, was instantly reliable and efficient. The test drivers were amazed by its ease of use, achieving 550 bhp. However, the development programme of the sports sedan did not exceed the prototype stage. The evolution of the machine was lost ... but maybe not for everyone!

Developed for the project M8 (left), the V12 weighed 266 kg and developed 627 hp when it was manufactured in 1992.

At the same time, the star McLaren engineer Gordon Murray was looking for a future supercar engine for which he could incorporate into his new design. He naturally turned to the Honda engine of the F1 team. The Japanese were first reluctant and eventually decided not to engage in the construction of a V12 or V14 requested by Murray, who instead turned to BMW.

Compact, reliable and sophisticated (with variable valve timing) the BMW engine brought immediate satisfaction to new users. Unveiled in 1992, the "F1" model is maybe now regarded as famous as other supercars such as the Ferrari (F40), Bugatti (EB110) or Jaguar (XJ220). Building on this solid foundation, McLaren developed a race version of the GTR and committed to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. In the incessant rain, it tested the flexibility of the big 6.1-litre works engine but it worked wonders and allowed the McLaren to win in front of all the prototypes!

The victory of McLaren in 1995 made the BMW company look forward to be officially involved in 1996 and 1997 ... But without success.

Therefore, the managers at BMW were maybe convinced that the German brand were race winners. The following year, they entered two McLaren's in their own colours. Entrusted to experienced drivers such as Jacques Laffite and Nelson Piquet, official cars cannot repeat the performance of 1995 and fail as they are eighth in 1996 and third in 1997.

The solution? Do not settle for a GT but build a real prototype around the engine: the BMW V12 LMR. This time the chassis is no longer built by partner McLaren, but its arch enemy Williams! After a first version affected by vibration problems, a new evolution is needed in 1999, nearly a decade after the first roar of the engine. And that's not all!

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The 1999 evolution is that of  the V12 "S70", whose powerful sound captivates the audience.

The ultimate evolution of the V12 then appeared in the first prototype, the all terrain X5. It developed over 700 hp and allowed the SUV to reach 300 kph! The second idea was to implement it in the sedan scheduled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the M5, but it was too bulky for the engine compartment. Is it the end?

Julien HERGAULT/ACO - Translated by Tony Light/ACO