Dayvtec reveals BMW G42 M240i in race spec

Dayvtec reveals BMW G42 M240i in race spec, designed for sprint and endurance.
Meet the new level in lightness and efficiency.

Spurred on by market demand, Dayvtec has developed a successor to its successful competition version of the BMW M240i, this time based on the G42 generation. The new racing car made its debut during the KNAF Test Day, Saturday 7 December at Circuit Zandvoort. Not only does the car take a step forward in technology and appearance, it is also lighter and easier to build and maintain.

Dayvtec, a preparator with Le Mans experience, caused a stir in 2020 with its own racing version of the BMW M240i. The concept turned out to be a hit, partly 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,” says Davy Lemmens. “They are now literally gone, because BMW no longer supplies the F22 model. However, the requests keep coming in from championships and track day organisers 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 percent weight saving with the same stiffness. The roll cage, designed by Dayvtec in collaboration with VA Engineering, weighs eighteen kilograms 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 ten minutes.” Time savings will also be achieved in the service, such as during the replacement of complete brakes in a 24-hour race. That only takes twenty seconds per front wheel.

With regard to the proven hardware, Dayvtec opted for evolution on a number of fronts, such as the shock absorbers from AST Suspensions, the in-house programmed eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and the extremely strong B58 engine, a modified three-litre six-cylinder in-line with turbocharger and, depending on the type of competition, a maximum of 525 hp. The BMW G42 M240i retains its original information display for the driver, which is however linked to all vehicle data. Think of temperatures and pressures in the engine and transmission, g-forces, brake pressure front and rear, steering angle and other parameters that provide valuable input for driving style analysis and coaching. The epicentre of the controls is a Fanatec steering wheel à la M4 GT3, with buttons to change gears and to activate functions such as lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, ventilation, pit limiter and code 60 limiter. For endurance, Dayvtec adds options if desired, including air jacks, a drinking facility, central wheel nuts, extra lighting and radio communication. After a test phase to eliminate any teething problems, the first M240is are expected to find their way to customers in mid-2025. Within the BMW Racing Cup, the focus is currently on the F22. “If we launch the G42 there in the long term, we will synchronize it with the current cup cars in terms of balance-of-performance,” Lemmens promises.

More info via: joost.kooi@dayvtec.com