BMW V12 LMR

BMW V12 LMR

The BMW V12 LMR ( abbreviation for Le Mans Roadster ) was based on a completely new development, but used on the engine of the BMW V12 LM used until 1998. The design of the vehicle was designed for use at the 24 - hour race at Le Mans. He was a unique combination of constructive simplicity and durability consistent development. Develop preset was the existence of the double Le Mans distance. In this respect, played a fast component change, in contrast, for example, the Audi R8 not matter. Development goal was to drive through the race distance without damage.

The chassis has involved the BMW responsibilities in a BMW facility near Oxford. Williams provided assistance, for example by providing the wind tunnel. The development was carried out independently of the preparations for the Formula 1 collaboration between BMW and Williams. When engine was the BMW V12 LMR proven BMW S70- 6, 1 liter V12 from the McLaren F1 for use, who won in 1995 the overall ranking of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The use of the BMW V12 LM at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998 ended early with wheel bearing damage. Then the car was completely rebuilt, his nose was slimmer and there was a single roll bar for use.

A special feature was the aerodynamics and package concept. The team led by technology and deployment boss Ulrich W. slate managed development and homologation of the first time in the BMW V12 LMR to use Come Single Roll hoop concept. Despite the prescribed smooth underbody, the car developed a very good output on the so-called ground effect at a very low-lying also rear wing. This causes the vehicle at Le Mans was certainly manageable even over waves. Nevertheless, had the vehicle like the Mercedes -Benz CLK GTR and Porsche 911 GT1 problems with lower air at the front axle. So Bill Auberlen flipped at Road Atlanta in 2000 when run over a hill just behind the undertakings to be rounding Lola Team Rafanelli SRL.

Used by the Team Schnitzer Motorsport sports car won the beginning of 1999 the 12-hour race at Sebring and in June 1999 with the drivers Joachim Winkelhock, Pierluigi Martini and Yannick Dalmas the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Basic performance, reliability and low fuel consumption were the reason that the BMW V12 LMR was flagged after 365 laps first.

Based on the BMW V12 LMR designed by the artist Jenny Holzer fifteenth BMW Art Car with short sayings from her ' Truisms and Survival' series, such as " You are so complex you do not respond to danger". The racing car with starting number 16 and the dominant reading " Protect me from what I want" presented the Dane Tom Kristensen in the training of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999.

In 2000, the BMW V12 LMR was used in the American Le Mans Series, where he was but a chance against the newly launched Audi R8.