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Hope you're all doing well! Our premium partner BMW M is always setting new trends, and they've just taken things a step further pretty exciting, right? Let's dive in!

BMW has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation by merging the worlds of art and motorsport. The latest addition to their iconic Art Car collection is the BMW M Hybrid V8, designed by the internationally acclaimed artist Julie Mehretu. This marks the 20th BMW Art Car, unveiled at the prestigious Centre Pompidou in Paris on May 21, 2024. However, this isn’t just a car for exhibitions—it's set to hit the racetrack at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2024.

The BMW M Hybrid V8: A Technological Marvel

At the heart of this artistic masterpiece lies a 4.0-litre V8 turbo engine paired with an electric motor, giving the BMW M Hybrid V8 a hybrid drivetrain capable of generating 640 hp. With a top speed of up to 345 km/h (215 mph), this race car embodies the thrilling essence of BMW M performance, now enhanced with cutting-edge electrification.

This car isn’t just about power, though. It is lightweight, at just 1,030 kilograms, with dimensions perfectly suited for aerodynamic performance, measuring 4,991 mm in length, 1,994 mm in width, and 1,200 mm in height. These specs put it in the prestigious Hypercars category at this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), where it will face stiff competition.

But what makes the BMW M Hybrid V8 special isn’t just its technical specs. It’s the way it turns motorsport into a canvas for artistic expression.

A Performative Painting on Wheels

Julie Mehretu is known for her dynamic, abstract works that explore space, movement, and energy. With the BMW M Hybrid V8, she transforms these motifs into a three-dimensional design for the first time. Her starting point was her monumental painting "Everywhen" (2021-2023), currently part of a major retrospective in Venice.

The result is a car covered in neon-colored veils, black markings, and intricate grid patterns that seem to move with the vehicle. Mehretu worked closely with BMW’s engineering and motorsport teams to ensure that the car was not just a piece of art to look at but a “performative painting,” only completed when it races. Her goal was to make the car appear as if it had “gone through” the painting itself, dripping and absorbing the energy of the artwork.

Mehretu’s words summarize it best: “The whole BMW Art Car project is about invention, imagination, and pushing the limits of what is possible. I didn’t want this car to be just an exhibit—I wanted it to race in Le Mans. It’s only completed once the race is over.”

The Legacy of BMW Art Cars: From the Racetrack to Museums

The BMW Art Car project began in 1975, with the first car designed by Alexander Calder and raced at Le Mans. Since then, the collection has grown to include contributions from world-renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons. Now, Julie Mehretu joins this elite list as the creator of the 20th BMW Art Car.

At Le Mans, her car will bear the number 20 and will be driven by BMW M works drivers Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Robin Frijns (NED), and René Rast (GER). After its race at Le Mans, this Art Car will transition from the racetrack to galleries, becoming an exhibit in art museums worldwide. This marks the completion of its journey—from a racing machine to a work of art displayed for the public to admire.

But before that, the BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car will make a historic stop at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este in Lake Como. There, it will be displayed alongside previous Art Cars by legendary artists, as part of an exhibition for historic vehicles.

Julie Mehretu: A Visionary Artist

Julie Mehretu is a globally recognized artist, born in Ethiopia and now living in New York City and Berlin. Her work explores the complexities of contemporary society through layered images and abstract forms. For this project, she drew on her artistic philosophy to create a design that reflects speed, dynamism, and the competitive spirit of motorsport.

Mehretu’s design process was highly collaborative. She worked with the BMW engineering team to incorporate her design into the car’s aerodynamic shape. The final realization was achieved through 3D mapping, which allowed her intricate patterns to seamlessly cover the car’s contours. Even the iconic BMW kidney grille seemed to "inhale" her painting, blending art with machine.

For Mehretu, this project was more than just designing a car—it was about exploring the relationship between art, technology, and motion. As she watched the BMW M Hybrid V8 race in Daytona earlier this year, she described the experience as overwhelming, knowing that her artistic vision was being tested at the highest level of motorsport.

From the Track to the World Stage

The excitement doesn’t stop at Le Mans. Following its race, the 20th BMW Art Car will go on tour, making appearances at museums and exhibitions around the globe. This fusion of motorsport and art will be appreciated by both racing fans and art lovers alike, symbolizing BMW’s commitment to pushing boundaries and blending disciplines.

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