This week artist Jeff Koons unveiled his take on the historic theme with a specially painted M3 GT2 that will race at Le Mans. The wraps came off the brightly coloured car at a special ceremony in Paris.
Koons explained his work as expressing the power and energy of the racing car - even when it is stationary. The colour scheme incorporates visualisations of debris, kicked up in the car's wake, and graphic rings on the tail signifying 'supersonic acceleration'.
Rather than working directly on the car with paint and brushes the artist collaborated with BMW's engineers. Using 3-D CAD modelling ensured that the design looked right from all angles. The colour scheme was then transferred onto car-wrapping vinyl and covered with a double clear coat to bring out the colours.
Having spent a day on public view outside the Pompidou Centre, the M3 will make its way to Le Mans for the 24-hour race on 12 and 13 June. Driven by Andy Priaulx, Dirk Müller and Dirk Werner it will race as number 79 in tribute to the 1979 BMW Art Car by Andy Warhol, which also entered the famous endurance race.
John Lambert - 3 Jun 2010