BMW Unveils 20th Art Car Inspired by Abstract Paintings for 24 Hours of Le Mans
BMW recently unveiled its 20th art car in Paris, France, paying homage to the birthplace of the first art car. The art car series, which began in 1975, was the brainchild of French pilot Hervé Poulain. This latest addition to the collection will participate in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.
Traditionally, most of BMW’s art cars have been based on race cars, and this new addition continues that trend. The artist behind this masterpiece is Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian-born American artist known for her abstract paintings. She used the M Hybrid V8 LMDh car as a blank canvas and drew inspiration from her own artwork to create a stunning livery. The car features dot grids, neon-colored veils, and black markings, a beautiful representation of Mehretu’s unique style.
Mehretu described her creative process, stating, “I was just sitting in front of the painting and I thought: ‘what would happen if this car seemed to go through that painting and becomes affected by it?’ The idea was to make a remix, a mash-up of the painting. I kept seeing that painting kind of dripping into the car. Even the kidneys of the car inhaled the painting.”
Not only is Mehretu’s art car visually captivating, but it also holds significance for BMW as it marks the brand’s return to the prototype class after a 25-year hiatus. It will be one of two M Hybrid V8s that BMW enters in the 2024 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car will carry the number 20 and will be driven by a talented team consisting of Sheldon van der Linde, Robin Frijns, and René Rast.
The M Hybrid V8 is powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain, combining a 4.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor. This system produces an impressive 640 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. With such power, the car can reach a top speed of up to 215 mph, depending on the track layout.
The 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans is set to begin on June 15, and BMW’s art car will be competing against formidable rivals such as Lamborghini, Toyota, Porsche, Ferrari, and Cadillac. The race promises to be an exhilarating showdown between some of the world’s most renowned automotive brands.
In conclusion, BMW’s latest art car demonstrates the brand’s commitment to showcasing the intersection of art and automotive design. The collaboration with Julie Mehretu has resulted in a visually stunning masterpiece that not only pays tribute to the art car legacy but also represents BMW’s return to the prototype class in the prestigious race at Le Mans. Car enthusiasts and art lovers alike will surely be captivated by this extraordinary creation as it races through the legendary track in France.