BMW is returning to Le Mans, and it’s doing so with a racing version of the new 8 Series coupe. More specifically, the M Division’s M8 version. And this is it.

We’ve had glimpses of the M8 GTE in testing before, but never so short on disguise. As well as showing us what the race car will look like, it also gives us a good look at the road-going M8, too.

We suspect its arches won’t be as wide, nor its aero as wild. But there’s a hint of the aggression we can expect over the svelte 8 Series coupe. Power for both road and race car is likely to come from a turbocharged V8 engine, sounding a bit like this…

The M8 GTE’s latest test has taken place at Daytona in the US, and it was official race testing ahead of January’s 24 Hours of Daytona, too. So the M8 was amongst its future competitors on track, on the circuit where it will make its motorsport debut in little over a month. Exciting.

“The data gathered in the USA will be used to work on fine-tuning in Munich before more tests take place in the USA before Christmas,” said BMW. In four weeks’ time, we’ll see the car again when it partakes in ‘The Roar before the 24 Hours’, the official IMSA preparatory test for the race at Daytona on January 27 and 28.

In June, it will race at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Europe’s headline endurance race and a place where BMW will be keen to make a strong return, with Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ford and Porsche to beat. Reckon BMW stands a chance?