Dayvtec has developed a successor to its successful competition version of the BMW M240i. The new race car is based on the G42 generation vehicle and debuted during the KNAF Test Day on Saturday, December 7 at Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands.
The updated race car is said to be a step forward in technology and appearance, as well as being lighter and easier to build and maintain. Dayvtec, a preparator with Le Mans experience, debuted the M240i in 2020. The concept turned out to be a hit, in part due to the launch of a one-make series under the name BMW Racing Cup.
“We’ve built and delivered a total of 85 of these cars,” said Davy Lemmens, race engineer and owner, Dayvtec. “They are now literally gone, because BMW no longer supplies the F22 model. However, the requests keep coming in from championships and track day organizers all over the world. Hence the decision to develop a new version, based on the current 2 Series G42, which is based on the platform of the 3 Series.
“We were able to incorporate all sorts of ideas that came about through experience. For example, the Huet Brothers produced a fully plastic body, which offers a 35% weight saving with the same stiffness. The roll cage, designed by Dayvtec in collaboration with VA Engineering, weighs 18kg less than before. What is particularly special is that replacing the original steel body with all parts made of fiberglass no longer takes a full day, but only 10mins.”
The new car also offers some time savings – the replacement of complete brakes in a 24-hour race will only take 20 seconds per front wheel. Dayvtec opted for an evolution in several different areas, such as shock absorbers from AST Suspensions, a stronger B58 engine, a modified 3-liter six-cylinder with turbocharger and, depending on the type of competition, a maximum of 525hp.
The BMW G42 M240i race car will be offered with a Fanatec steering wheel from the M4 GT3, with buttons to change gears and to activate ventilation, pit limiter and code 60 limiter. For endurance applications, Dayvtec can add optional extras such as air jacks, a drinking facility, central wheel nuts, extra lighting and radio communication. After a test phase to eliminate any problems, the first M240i cars are expected to find their way to customers in mid-2025.
