Some Le Mans retirements become footnotes; others become stories. The #31 The Bend Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 EVO at the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans — 14–15 June 2025 — belongs firmly in the second category. Minichamps has reproduced it in die-cast metal at 1:18, freezing a car that was running competitively before circumstances entirely beyond any driver's control ended its race.
The BMW M4 GT3 EVO: G82 Platform, 590 hp, €578,000
Revealed at the Nürburgring in May 2024, the BMW M4 GT3 EVO is an evolution of the FIA GT3-homologated M4 GT3 built on the G82-generation M4 platform. Its P58 engine — a 2,993 cm³ straight-six M TwinPower Turbo producing up to 590 hp — drives through an X-Trac 6-speed sequential gearbox. The EVO specification introduced lighter cathodic dip coating in place of conventional paint, revised front-arch air outlets, smaller aero mirrors, and enlarged rear brake discs with new anti-roll bars. At launch, the customer price stood at €578,000.
Le Mans 2025: LMGT3 Debut, a Podium Pedigree, and an Unforeseen End
The 2025 24 Hours marked the BMW M4 GT3 EVO's first LMGT3-class start at Circuit de la Sarthe. Car #31 ran under the The Bend Team WRT banner — Belgian outfit WRT partnered with Australian venue The Bend Motorsport Park through driver Yasser Shahin. The crew of Augusto Farfus (Pro, BRA), Timur Boguslavskiy (Silver) and Shahin (Bronze) qualified 16th and had climbed into the top eight when the car struck a rabbit on track. The collision caused severe radiator damage; repairs proved impossible and the car was classified DNF after approximately 168 laps. Farfus and the same #31 trio had taken third in LMGT3 at the FIA WEC Qatar opener earlier that season, recovering from 14th on the grid.
The 1:18 Scale Model: Minichamps Die-Cast in White and Black
Minichamps has rendered the #31 in die-cast metal at 1:18. The white and black livery carries the The Bend Team WRT graphics as raced at Le Mans. The model reproduces the EVO-specific aerodynamic surfaces — the revised rear wing, enlarged front-arch outlets, and the GT3 splitter geometry that gives the real car its 5,020 mm overall length including bodywork. Minichamps also produced the companion #46 WRT entry (Rossi/Al Harthy/van der Linde, blue and yellow) from the same event, making a paired LMGT3 display straightforward.
In the Display Cabinet: 28 cm of Le Mans History
At 1:18, the real car's 5,020 mm length scales to approximately 28 cm — allow at least 30 cm of shelf depth to accommodate the rear wing overhang. The white and black scheme reads cleanly under standard cabinet lighting. Natural companions are the Minichamps 1:18 #46 WRT Le Mans 2025 car for a complete two-car LMGT3 WRT set, or the Minichamps 1:18 #31 Qatar 2025 entry to document the same crew's podium finish from that season's opening round.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the 1:18 scale model?
The BMW M4 GT3 EVO measures 5,020 mm in full race trim including the front splitter and rear wing. Divided by 18, that gives approximately 278 mm — around 28 cm on the shelf. Plan for at least 30 cm of clear depth to accommodate the rear wing without crowding neighbouring models.
Does the model have opening parts?
Opening parts have not been confirmed on Minichamps' own product page for this specific car. Until verified directly with Minichamps, treat the body as sealed. The detail is concentrated on the exterior aerodynamic surfaces — the EVO-spec rear wing, front-arch outlets, and GT3 splitter geometry.
What material is the model made from?
The model is die-cast metal, Minichamps' standard construction for their 1:18 GT racing releases. Die-cast provides the weight and dimensional stability suited to a GT3 car of this length.
Why did the #31 retire at Le Mans 2025?
The car struck a rabbit on the Circuit de la Sarthe while running in the top eight. The collision caused severe radiator damage that could not be repaired trackside. The #31 was classified DNF after completing approximately 168 laps — it had started 16th on the grid.
