Just a few days before the start of the 24h N\u00fcrburgring 2026, several teams are unveiling their final designs for the Eifel endurance classic, opting for completely different concepts. While BMW has designed the M3 Touring 24h much more conservatively than recently, Prosport Racing is drawing attention with a striking retro livery in the style of classic video games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the M3 Touring 24h, BMW is bidding farewell to the social media comments that previously adorned the body. Instead, the front is now dominated by a predominantly black design with accents in the typical M GmbH colors. The rear stands out distinctly with the color scheme of partner Shell, combining white, yellow, and red for a high-contrast appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the sporting front, the Touring also made its mark in preparations. Jens Klingmann and Neil Verhagen finished seventh overall in the 24h N\u00fcrburgring Qualifiers. In the race itself, they share the cockpit with Ugo de Wilde and Connor de Phillippi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Klingmann emphasized during the qualifiers that the results in the preparation phase had not been the main focus. Rather, the goal was to cover as many kilometers as possible with the only available vehicle and gain insights for the main race. At the same time, the BMW works driver praised the positive fan response to the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even at its debut, it was clear that the M3 Touring could keep up with established GT3 vehicles on the Nordschleife. Nevertheless, the team continues to act with caution due to the limited spare parts situation, especially in the hectic initial phase of the race. The primary goal is to get the vehicle through the distance and present it to the fans in the race for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technically, the M3 Touring 24h is closely based on the M4 GT3 Evo, and is therefore not intended as a pure show car, but as a seriously developed racing project with GT3 technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prosport Racing is taking a completely different approach. The team from Wiesemscheid is using a striking 8-bit look for their Mercedes-AMG GT3, reminiscent of the 1980s video game era. Together with partners Bilstein and Hella, they created a pixelated retro wrap in the traditional blue and yellow colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Team boss Marc Hennerici, who took over leadership of the team at the beginning of the year, was optimistic before the race and praised both the design and the driver lineup of the GT3 car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Mikael Grenier and Adam Christodoulou, Prosport is relying on experienced AMG drivers. The lineup is completed by Chris Lulham and long-time team driver Marek B\u00f6ckmann. The driver pairing is considered competitive for a potential top result in the highly contested SP9 class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the team faces a particular challenge: Prosport is using the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time this year, competing against rivals with significantly more experience in their vehicles. In addition, there's an extensive program with other GT3 and GT4 vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means that for the 24-hour race at the N\u00fcrburgring, the following will once again apply: It's not just a spectacular design that determines success, but above all reliability and consistency over the entire distance.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"