Use the image sliders to compare the different versions of the cars from 2025 and 2026. It's like motorsport spot the difference - what could be better?!
BMW M Hybrid V8
We've known for a while that BMW would update its LMDh car for 2026, to address some of the issues they've uncovered since it began racing in 2023.
As you can see from the two sets of images, the BMW has had a fairly major rework of the front bodywork and aerodynamics.
The front 'nostrils' are now considerably smaller on the front of the nose. The splitter is the same or similar size, with the headlights also similar. Although now they appear to be coloured yellow, which is a nice touch.
The dip on the top of the front bodywork also seems a little larger, maybe a little deeper – it's hard to say for sure with the camo livery BMW and WRT are using on the front of the car.
Note for the slider showing front 3/4 view, we've mirrored the image with the car running in 2025 spec to show the cars from roughly the same angle.
Cadillac V-Series.R
Cadillac's evo joker also focuses on aerodynamics. This is the second joker the American manufacturer has taken.
Here's what they said about it: 'As part of its ongoing development to improve performance in the pursuit of podiums and wins, Cadillac has joined other manufacturers in aligning timing of EVO use with the updated aerodynamic homologation for 2026.
'While the V-Series.R retains signature V-Series production design elements, notable changes include removal of front dive planes and winglets and reshaping the rear wing profile.'
Unlike the BMW, the key change for the Cadillac is at the rear. The horizontal wing plane is now considerably lower compared to the end plates and rest of the bodywork.
This has the effect of making everything else higher – the dorsal/shark fin, the cockpit, the sidepods, etc. This will of course lower drag and increase straight line speed – something which has somewhat plagued the V-Series.R recently, especially at low drag tracks such as Le Mans.
The front diveplanes and winglets have also disappeared, and the splitter has also been redesigned accordingly.
Porsche 963
Porsche have applied a fourth evo joker to the 963, to modify the aerodynamics for 2026.
From the front the most obvious change to the Porsche is the splitter, which has been re-profiled and is now higher in the middle compared to before.
The rear 'cheese wedges' have also disappeared, and the diffuser at the back of the car has been redesigned accordingly.
Ford Mustang GT3
Finally, the Ford Mustang GT3 will also see an evo version introduced, after two years of competition. Ford, however, have not commented.
Aero wise, however, we can see the major addition to the car is diveplanes and winglets at the front. These may help improve front downforce and therefore help with not just handling and balance, but also with tyre wear.
We'll have to see if there are any other updates to Ford's challenger, either visible or under-the-hood, next year!
Image credits: Petit Le Mans 2025: Griffith Bean. Sebring 2025: Jacob Saddler. Daytona 24 2025: Kevin Dejewski. Daytona test and feature image: Andrew Sills
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