Peugeot returns to Le Mans with a hybrid hypercar

Peugeot Sport has announced its return to the WEC endurance racing championship from 2022 with a new hybrid hypercar. The French carmaker will compete against brands such as Aston Martin, Toyota and Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus in the new hypercar class.

The new rules allow teams to race either a bespoke race car or a modified version of an existing supercar. They also stipulate that the model must have at least 20 legal road-going versions produced, which means we will get a hybrid hypercar Peugeot for the road in the coming years.

The lion brand withdrew from endurance racing in 2011, after having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP LMP1 in 2009. The French have a long history of competing at Le Mans, having won the race in 1992 and 1993, during the final years of the legendary Group C era.

Jean-Marc Finot, director of PSA Motorsport, has said: “I am very excited about the opportunity to channel the skills and passion of my team into this project.”

Peugeot will take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Hypercar category

“It is a new challenge and I know our experts will meet it with another demonstration of their will to win, with teams funded by the Group’s brands, fuelled by their long experience in the top-level FIA championships and their hunger for success.”

The new class will replace the LMP1 runners, with the aim of significantly reducing the costs involved, bringing major manufacturers back to the sport and creating a field of cars that can more easily be associated with road cars.

Peugeot Sport did not announce further details, but promised to do so in early 2020. Before detailing the brands that have already confirmed their presence in this new class, the regulations need to be clarified. First, carmakers must design a prototype in hypercar style derived from a road model, of which 20 units must be built within a two-year period. (Something similar to what happened in the late 1980s with the BMW M3 E30).

The developed model must weigh 1,100 kg, have a maximum power output of 750 CV and an average lap time of 3’30” at Le Mans. In addition, there is only one tyre supplier. Hybrid systems will not be mandatory. If fitted, they will have a maximum power output of 270 CV. The hybrid system will be front-wheel drive only, located in the same position as on hypercars derived from road models.

Aston Martin, coinciding with the anniversary of its 1959 Le Mans victory, announced its entry into the top class to fight for everything. Toyota has also confirmed its presence and Lamborghini is reportedly already working on its SC18.