The BMW V12 LMR is a legendary racing car developed by BMW and their partner Williams F1 for endurance racing. It was created to compete in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Here’s an overview of the V12 LMR:
Overview:
- Manufacturer: BMW in collaboration with Williams F1.
- Debut: 1999 racing season.
- Category: Le Mans Prototype (LMP)
- Engine: BMW S70/3 V12, a naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 engine.
- Power Output: Approximately 580-620 horsepower.
- Chassis: Carbon fiber monocoque, developed with significant input from Williams F1.
- Transmission: 6-speed sequential gearbox.
Key Achievements:
- 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans: The BMW V12 LMR achieved its most significant victory by winning the prestigious race. The car driven by Joachim Winkelhock, Pierluigi Martini, and Yannick Dalmas took the overall win.
- American Le Mans Series (ALMS): The V12 LMR also competed successfully in the ALMS, winning several races and helping BMW secure the manufacturer’s championship.
Design and Performance:
- The V12 LMR was known for its speed, reliability, and advanced aerodynamics. Unlike its predecessor, the V12 LM, the LMR featured a more refined aerodynamic design with a distinctive roll hoop and a more effective rear wing, improving stability and performance at high speeds.
- The car was engineered with a focus on durability and efficiency, which proved crucial in endurance racing.
Legacy:
The BMW V12 LMR is celebrated as one of the most successful endurance racing cars of its era. It marked BMW’s first and only overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans to date and solidified the brand’s reputation in motorsport. The car’s success contributed to BMW’s engineering prestige and remains a significant part of the company’s motorsport heritage.
Munich. A spectacular motor racing show awaits tens of thousands of fans this Saturday, in the form of Red Bull Formula Nürburgring. The event, which forms part of the 12-hour race weekend in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS), attracts big stars and legendary cars from all motorsport classes to the Eifel region of Germany. BMW M, BMW M Motorsport and BMW Group Classic will play big roles. Spectators will be able to marvel at vintage BMW race cars and BMW M safety cars on the track – including the Nordschleife. Among those taking their place behind the wheel will be BMW M works drivers Philipp Eng (AUT) and Jens Klingmann (GER).
The Müllenbachschleife at the Nürburgring (GER) will be the venue for 30,000 spectators watching Red Bull Formula Nürburgring – a show of superlative motor racing, combining big stars and show runs from iconic cars.
Historic BMW race cars will form an instrumental part of the event. Not only will they be in action on the Grand Prix circuit, but most of them also on the Nordschleife. The BMW V12 LMR, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) in 1999, will be driven by Markus Flasch, Senior Vice President Product Lines Rolls-Royce, BMW Luxury Class and BMW Midsize Class. HRH Prince Leopold of Bavaria will be at the wheel of the BMW M1 Procar, Jens Klingmann the BMW M3 E30 and Philipp Eng the BMW Z4 GT3 with the Michel Vaillant livery, which competed in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) in 2015. Ralf Schumacher (GER) will thrill fans with a drive in the BMW Williams FW25, with which he fought for the Formula 1 World Championship in 2003.
