BMW bares details of M Hybrid V8’s P66/3 hybrid turbo engine

M-Hybrid-V8

The 24 Hours of Daytona/24 Hours of Le Mans-bound BMW M Hybrid V8 is set to enter an intensive period of testing in the next coming weeks in preparation for the upcoming endurance races. But before that, the German automotive brand shares specific details of how it managed to build a powerful hybrid mill. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • How much power does the P66/3 hybrid turbo engine make?

    The P66/3 hybrid turbo engine has a regulated maximum power output of around 640 horses with a maximum torque of approximately 650Nm.
  • From what power plant was the P66/3 derived?

    The P66/3 was derived from the P66/1 DTM unit used in the BMW M4 DTM in 2017 and 2018.
  • How did BMW come up with the P66/3?

    BMW converted the P66/1 through a two-step reconstruction process that finally saw the creation of the P66/3 power unit.
  • “The project had already reached a key milestone before the rollout: The successful fire-up of the hybrid drive system after installation in the test vehicle at the end of June,” BMW said in a recent press release.

    Coming up with a suitable powerplant for the LMDh prototype was no walk in the park though.

    Head of Drivetrain Design at BMW M Motorsport Ulrich Schulz and his group initiated an evaluation to determine which race engine would be best suited for conversion into a high-performance hybrid drive system.

    “During the evaluation phase, we also took a look at the P48 four-cylinder turbo engine from the BMW M4 DTM and the P63 eight-cylinder turbo engine from the BMW M8 GTE, but potential problems with the durability of the P48 and the heavy weight of the P63 were negative considerations,” said Schulz.

    P66-1-engine

    Ultimately, it was the P66/1 eight-cylinder engine (shown above) used in the 2017 and 2018 seasons in the BMW M4 DTM that proved to be the best option.

    BMW also adds that the eight-cylinder P66/3 turbo engine with supplementary electric drive had undergone two phases of reconstruction to meet the stringent requirements of the LMDh hybrid drive system.

    “Converting the normally aspirated P66/1 engine into a bi-turbo and then working with the electric drivetrain colleagues to turn it into a hybrid drive system was very complex. Thanks to the expertise, the great collaboration, and the high level of motivation of all departments, we managed to complete the fire-up of the complete drive unit just a few weeks ago. We now feel that nothing is standing in the way of testing,” Schulz explained.

    engine-reconstruction

    For the first phase, the normally aspirated P66/1 DTM engine was converted into an intermediate engine and was later named P66/2, primarily by adapting two turbochargers and adjusting the crank drive.

    engine-reconstruction-1

    During this time, the P66/2 was put through its paces by subjecting it to various tests including complete racetrack simulations on the test bench.

    Phase two saw the creation of the P66/3 race engine (shown below), including a twin-turbo version, adjustments to the specific requirements of the Dallara chassis, final exhaust system, oil tank, cabling, and integration of the high-voltage environment.

    P66-3-engine

    The cylinder block and cylinder heads were recast in the BMW Group foundry in Landshut in Germany and the injection system was rebuilt for direct injection.

    At the same time, engineers who already boasted plenty of experience with electric drive systems from the Formula E project were also testing and integrating the electric motor. The unit that forms the hybrid drive system in the car consists of the e-motor, the inverter, and the high-voltage battery.

    A separator clutch, between the electric and combustion engines, enables fully electric driving.

    The M Hybrid V8’s P66/3 hybrid turbo engine has a regulated maximum power output of around 640 horses with a maximum torque of approximately 650Nm.

    Photos from BMW

    Also read: 

    BMW M4 GT4 now on sale, priced at €187K

    BMW M brand to mark 50th year at Festival of Speed

    BMW reveals details of new US-spec X1

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured BMW Cars

    BMW Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • BMW M Awardee in MotoGP to receive M5 prize car
      BMW M Awardee in MotoGP to receive M5 prize car
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 21, 2024
    • BMW PH launches iX1, iX2 all-electric SUVs
      BMW PH launches iX1, iX2 all-electric SUVs
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 15, 2024
    • BMW introduces new app feature to boost EV adoption
      BMW introduces new app feature to boost EV adoption
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 15, 2024
    • BMW successfully tests humanoid robots in Spartanburg plant
      BMW successfully tests humanoid robots in Spartanburg plant
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 08, 2024
    • BMW introduces long-wheelbase X3 in China
      BMW introduces long-wheelbase X3 in China
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 08, 2024
    • BMW iX2: pros and cons
      BMW iX2: pros and cons
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 30, 2024
    • BMW iX1: pros and cons
      BMW iX1: pros and cons
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 29, 2024
    • BMW iX2 vs. the competition
      BMW iX2 vs. the competition
      Paulo Papa . Aug 29, 2024
    • These are the BMW iX1's 6 fabulous hues
      These are the BMW iX1's 6 fabulous hues
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 28, 2024
    • Check out the BMW iX2's 4 enticing hues
      Check out the BMW iX2's 4 enticing hues
      Cesar Miguel . Aug 22, 2024