Le Mans Hypercars: 2024 In Focus

So, what is a Le Mans hypercar? A Le Mans hypercar is a type of sports car designed to compete in the top class of endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These cars adhere to specific regulations set by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). They typically feature advanced hybrid powertrains, aerodynamic designs, and cutting-edge technology for both performance and efficiency. 

The Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) category is a racing car classification introduced by the FIA and the ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest), which is the organizing body of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The category was introduced for the 2021 racing season and replaced the previous LMP1 class as the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). 

The LMH category allows for a greater diversity of designs and concepts compared to its predecessor, intending to attract more manufacturers and promote relevance to road-going hypercars. This article shares everything worth knowing about Le Mans hypercars, including the lineup for 2024, the specifications, teams, drivers, and more. 

See also: 20 Facts About Le Mans Every Motorsport Fan Must Know 

Overview Of The Le Mans Hypercar Class Regulations

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

The regulations are designed to allow for both bespoke prototypes and modified road cars to compete together, with a focus on balancing performance between different concepts to ensure competitive racing. Key points of the LMH regulations include: 

• Performance targets that aim for lap times around the Circuit de la Sarthe comparable to the previous LMP1 cars, with a focus on energy efficiency.
• A power output limit of 500 kW (around 680 horsepower) for the internal combustion engine, with an additional 200 kW (around 270 horsepower) available from a hybrid system on the front axle if manufacturers choose to use one.
• A minimum car weight of 1,030 kg.
• Aerodynamic constraints limit the development of downforce and reduce the costs associated with aerodynamic research and development.
• Cost-capping measures to make the category more accessible and sustainable for participants.

The LMH category has attracted interest from several manufacturers, with the likes of Toyota, Peugeot, Glickenhaus, and others announcing participation. These cars showcase high-performance capabilities and advanced technologies often inspired by or directly derived from cutting-edge automotive engineering. 

What Is The Top Speed Of Le Mans Hypercars?

The new Hypercar class debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2021, where hypercars like the Toyota GR010 Hybrid and the Alpine A480 competed. 

While specific top speeds can vary, these cars generally achieve speeds of around 210-220 mph (335-355 km/h) on the Le Mans long straights. 

Keep in mind that these figures are approximate, and the actual speeds during the race may vary based on conditions and strategies. 

For a closer picture, the table below depicts the top speeds of each model during different sessions: 

Note that the top speed can be affected by various factors such as the specific session, driver, and car model. 

See also: 8 Secrets Behind Porsche’s Le Mans Victories And Decades-Long Dominance 

Introduction To The 24 Hours of Le Mans Hypercar 2024

The 24 Hours of Le Mans Hypercar class for 2024 promises an exceptional showcase of cutting-edge endurance racing technology and fierce competition. The 2024 24 Hrs Le Mans is scheduled for June 15–16 at the French Circuit de la Sarthe. 

This year’s event will field a record-breaking 19 Hypercars representing 14 manufacturers, marking the highest number in the history of the FIA World Endurance Championship. 

Some notable manufacturers competing in the 2024 Hypercar class include Toyota, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche, Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Lamborghini, and Isotta Fraschini, among others. 

Each manufacturer brings its own unique engineering prowess and performance pedigree to the prestigious event, highlighting the continued growth and innovation in the world's premier endurance racing series. 

In addition to the Hypercar class, the 2024 FIA WEC introduces the all-new LMGT3 category, which replaces the LMGTE (Le Mans Grand Touring Endurance) class. This new GT class will be based around the FIA's existing GT3 technical platform and will continue to focus on gentleman drivers, adding another layer of excitement and diversity to the championship. 

The 2024 season also expands to eight rounds with the addition of new venues such as Sao Paulo (Brazil), Doha (Qatar), and Imola (Italy), as well as a return to COTA in Texas, USA. 

This global expansion underscores the WEC's commitment to bringing world-class endurance racing to fans across different regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and South America. 

Furthermore, the driver line-ups include renowned names such as seven-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi and former Haas F1 driver Mick Schumacher making the transition to endurance racing, adding star power and talent to the competition. 

2024, says President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest Pierre Fillon, “will stand out in the history of endurance, and probably in motorsport as a whole. The world’s greatest carmakers will compete in the eight races that comprise the championship, which includes circuits on the calendar for the first time. The stakes are high in Hypercar and LMGT3 alike. See you in February for the Prologue on the magnificent Lusail International Circuit.” 

The Le Mans Hypercar Lineup For 2024

1. Cadillac V-Series.R

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

The Cadillac V-Series.R is a high-performance sports prototype racing car co-developed by Cadillac Racing, Cadillac Design, and Dallara to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. 

The car incorporates distinctive Cadillac design elements such as vertical lighting and floating blades. The livery designs for the three all-new electrified V-Series.R race cars represent different bold colors from the Cadillac V-Series emblem—No. 01 in gold, No. 02 in blue, and red on No. 31. 

The Cadillac V-Series.R Racing Results

At the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023, the No. 2 V-Series.R led laps for the first time in Cadillac history and finished on the podium in 3rd, with the No. 3 just behind in 4th and the No. 311 fighting back for 10th in class. 

Also, in 2023, the Cadillac Racing drivers achieved victories at IMSA® WeatherTech® Laguna Seca, FIA WEC Portimão, and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. 

2. Alpine A424_β

The Alpine A424_β stands at the forefront of an exciting new era in endurance racing, representing the French carmaker's entrance into the Hypercar class in 2024. The car features an exceptionally sleek and aerodynamic design, notably with two A-shaped formations at the rear, lending to its distinctive and symbolic design. 

The A424_β’s design elements draw inspiration from the Alpenglow concept car, presenting a striking balance between elegance and racing performance. Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi describes the car as embodying both the present and the future of the brand. 

Based on an Oreca chassis, the A424_β features a streamlined cockpit and bodywork comparable to a road-legal hypercar, reflecting the significant investment of Alpine's designers in its development. 

Equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 single-turbo engine developed in cooperation with Mecachrome, the A424_β features an Xtrac gearbox and Williams battery, making it the only car with this specific configuration. 

Alpine conducted extensive wind tunnel tests to optimize the car's aerodynamics. Initial testing on the track commenced at Circuit Paul Ricard in August 2023 following shakedown sessions, signaling a comprehensive testing and development program to ensure the car's competitive readiness. 

Alpine aims to expand its racing campaigns by attracting customer teams to diversify their efforts, including potential entries in the IMSA series. 

The reputed Signatech team, a long-standing partner, will oversee the operational aspects of the A424_β, highlighting the strong partnership between the manufacturer and the dedicated team led by Philippe Sinault. 

Alpine's ambition is to add to its trophy cabinet and solidify its presence in endurance racing as the A424_β makes its competitive debut in the 2024 FIA WEC season. 

3. BMW M Hybrid V8

BMW plans to enter the Hypercar class with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2024 FIA WEC. The German marque will join the competition after an entire season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. 

The M Hybrid V8 is based on a Dallara chassis and equipped with a V8 engine producing approximately 640 horsepower, coupled to a Bosch hybrid system. Two cars are set to participate in the 2024 FIA WEC under the Team WRT’s banner. 

The Belgian outfit won the LMP2 class at the 2021 24 Hours and the FIA Endurance LMP2 Teams trophy the same year. The successes and extensive experience make Team WRT the ideal partner for BMW's return to Le Mans. 

The testing sessions involve eight official drivers: Robin Frijns, Maxime Martin, René Rast, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly. BMW and Team WRT have yet to announce the crews destined for the 2024 FIA WEC. 

The BMW M Hybrid V8 spent several days at the Dallara test track in Varano de' Melegari after performing its shakedown there. BMW factory drivers Connor De Phillippi and Sheldon van der Linde took turns at the wheel. 

Further European tests were conducted in August before BMW M Team RLL and a team of BMW Motorsport experts embarked on specific preparations for the 2023 season in September. 

The last big win for a BMW prototype dates back to 1999 when the V12 LMR triumphed at the 24 Hours against Toyota, Mercedes, Audi, Nissan, and Panoz (the car won the 12 Hours of Sebring the same year). 

See also: Toyota Unveils TRD-Modified Camry XSE Race Car To Dominate The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series 

4. Lamborghini SC63

The Lamborghini SC63 is an exceptional Hypercar developed by Lamborghini to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The SC63 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine specially developed by Lamborghini's engineers. 

The unique "cold V" configuration places the turbos outside the engine valley, optimizing cooling, center of gravity, and overall performance characteristics. This innovative design aids in achieving optimal tire grip, balance, handling, and consistent speed over both single laps and long-distance races. 

The SC63 hybrid prototype aligns with the brand's vision for advanced road-legal vehicles and represents a significant step into the highest echelons and the future of motorsports for Lamborghini Squadra Corse. 

The car’s bodywork, a collaborative effort between Lamborghini's Centro Stile department and the racing team, reflects the brand's iconic styling cues, including the distinctive Y-shaped headlights at the front and rear. 

The Italian marque has partnered with Iron Lynx to field the SC63 in competitions, marking Lamborghini's determined entry into top-tier racing and its commitment to assembling a competitive team for the Hypercar class. 

With an eye on victory in the Hypercar class, Lamborghini has conducted a substantial testing program, including a shakedown at Autodromo Vallelunga in Italy and extensive testing at circuits such as Imola, Le Castellet, and Spa-Francorchamps. 

These rigorous tests have covered nearly 4,000 km (2,486 miles) and addressed a wide range of performance and calibration considerations. 

5. Vanwall Vandervell 680

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

The Vanwall Vandervell 680 is a sports prototype racing car built by the Vanwall Racing Team to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) under the Le Mans Hypercar regulations. 

The Vanwall Racing Team, previously known as ByKolles Racing, announced its commitment to the Le Mans Hypercar regulations in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2019. 

Subsequently, the Vandervell 680 made its debut in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship at the season-opening 1000 Miles of Sebring. 

The car was designed and developed entirely in-house at the Vanwall Racing Team base in Greding, Germany. Vanwall also intends to sell a road version of the hypercar called the Vanwall Vandervell 1000. 

6. Porsche 963

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

The Porsche 963 is a high-performance sports prototype racing car designed by Porsche and built by Multimatic to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class and the IMSA SportsCar Championship GTP class. 

The 963 features a powerful multimatic chassis derived from the LMP2 category, as well as a 4.6-liter V8 engine with twin turbochargers and support from an electric motor. The race car delivers a total output of 500 kW (671 horsepower) at a maximum speed of 10,000 rpm. 

The engine is based on the high-performance 918 Spyder hybrid sports car and is designed to run on renewable fuels to enable a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. 

The 963’s design is based on the victorious 956 and 962 classics from the 1980s, while the illuminated strip at the rear represents the striking highlight of the Porsche 992 generation. The race car wears a distinct livery of white, red, and black, emphasizing its bloodline shared with successful Porsche racing cars. 

Porsche 963 Racing Team:

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

The Porsche Penske Motorsport team is responsible for developing and racing the Porsche 963 in the WEC and IMSA series. 

The drivers include experienced sports car champions and members of the Porsche Works driver team, bringing a wealth of skill and expertise to the competition. 

The Porsche 963 made its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary, and the #5 car finished highest of the Porsches in the overall classification at the event. 

See also: Honda Mourns Brazilian Racing Legend Gil de Ferran – His Early Motorsport Career And Racing Legacy 

7. Toyota GR010 Hybrid

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

The Toyota GR010 Hybrid is a prototype sports racing car developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class. 

It is the successor to the TS050 Hybrid and has achieved significant success in the WEC Hypercar class, including victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and multiple manufacturer and driver titles. 

The 2023 model of the GR010 HYBRID features an improved body, enhanced aerodynamics, weight reduction, and improved output per the regulations, optimizing reliability and efficiency. 

Toyota developed the GR010 Hybrid over 18 months, featuring an AWD racing hybrid powertrain with a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and a motor-generator on the front axle, providing a total power output capped at 500 kW(671 horsepower). 

This racing prototype reflects the appearance of its road car counterpart, the GR Super Sport hypercar, and bears a new livery with strong links between the race and road cars. 

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

The Toyota Gazoo Racing team is entering its ninth WEC season with a consistent driver line-up that brought World Championship glory in previous campaigns. 

Meanwhile, the GR010 Hybrid has undergone an intense development program, adapting to new championship regulations that mark a significant shift in terms of performance and philosophy. 

8. Ferrari 499P

The Ferrari 499P is a sports prototype racing car built by Ferrari to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class. 

The 499P made its racing debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship in the Le Mans Hypercar category in 2023, where racing car drivers Antonio Giovinazzi, Alessandro Pier Guidi, and James Calado secured an impressive victory at the 24 Hrs of Le Mans. 

The 499P's hybrid powertrain features a mid-rear mounted internal combustion engine combined with an electric motor on the front axle, targeting a maximum output of 500 kW (671 HP). 

The 499P’s futuristic design and development embodies Ferrari's commitment to the future of endurance racing, integrating cutting-edge technological solutions for both the racing and road-going models. 

The car's aerodynamics were developed in collaboration with Ferrari's Styling Centre to reflect a combination of tradition and modern design technologies. 

9. Peugeot 9X8

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

Peugeot announced its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans for the 2022 season in the new Hypercar category. The debut, however, was delayed, and the Peugeot 9X8 sports prototype racing car made its first appearance at the 2022 6 Hours of Monza before the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

The 9X8 serves as the successor to the victorious Peugeot 905 and Peugeot 908, champions at Le Mans in 1992, 1993, and 2009, respectively. 

Continuing the French marque's rich motorsport heritage characterized by high-performance models and a distinctive visual identity, the 9X8 hypercar embodies Peugeot's commitment to Neo-Performance. This innovative concept integrates transferable technology into production models. 

^{Photo credit: 24H Le Mans}

The collaboration between Peugeot and Peugeot Sport's design and engineering teams has led to the exploration of novel aerodynamic and styling solutions. To celebrate the Centenary, the two 9X8s featured a paint scheme crafted in collaboration with the artist J. Demsky. 

The car features only one adjustable aerodynamic element without specifying what it should be, allowing Peugeot to do without the rear spoiler. Its power comes from a Peugeot X6H V6 90° twin-turbo engine and a separate front-mounted electric motor-generator unit. 

See also: Toyota Reimagines The Prius As A Race-bred, GR-Modified Little Monster 

10. Glickenhaus 007

• Excluded from WEC 2024

^{Photo credit: Wikipedia}

The Glickenhaus 007 is a sports prototype racing car built by Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus for the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) category in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). 

Glickenhaus developed this car in response to the new LMH regulations approved by the FIA and ACO to replace the LMP1 regulations in the World Endurance Championship. The Glickenhaus 007 LMH features a carbon fiber composite monocoque chassis with double wishbone, push rod-operated over damper suspension. 

It is equipped with a V8 90° twin-turbocharged engine, capable of 500 kW (671 HP) and 9,000 rpm maximum revolutions. The engine, developed by Pipo Moteurs, is based on Pipo's existing inline-4s used in the World Rally Championship. 

The car’s performance-focused development explains the 7-speed sequential manual transmission, carbon brakes, and Michelin slick tires with OZ one-piece forged alloys. 

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus entered the car in various WEC races with notable achievements, including podium finishes and pole positions. 

In October 2023, it was announced that Glickenhaus would not return to the WEC in 2024, marking the end of their participation in the series. Glickenhaus’ departure from the WEC is a significant event in the Hypercar class, with the team's efforts fondly remembered as a foundation stone for the Hypercar era. 

11. Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH-C

^{Photo credit: Motor.es}

The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH-C is a cutting-edge Hypercar designed for competition in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). 

The car’s development is with the assistance of the Michelotto family, a partnership intended to build a competitive and innovative prototype for the world of endurance racing. 

The Tipo 6 LMH-C will rock a 3-liter turbocharged V6 engine combined with a hybrid system and a 7-speed X-Trac gearbox. The hybrid power delivery is routed through the front axle. 

The Tipo 6 LMH-C’s aerodynamic kit is developed in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering, a renowned company with expertise in high-performance vehicle aerodynamics. 

^{Photo credit: Motor.es}

The car’s top-to-bottom development involves strategic partnerships with leading companies in the automotive and motorsport industry. 

Key partners include Williams Advanced Engineering for aerodynamics and battery systems, PWR for the cooling system, Brembo for the braking system, Multimatic Motorsports for suspensions, and Pankl for transmission components, among others. 

The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH-C made its first track appearance at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy on April 11, 2023, and has since undergone multiple testing sessions. Anticipation is high as the manufacturer aims to showcase the car's performance and reliability during the 2024 racing season. 

Future Le Mans Hypercar – Aston Martin Valkyrie

^{Photo credit: Wikipedia}

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an extraordinary high-performance sports car designed to push boundaries and redefine the concept of a modern hypercar. This innovative speed machine represents a striking fusion of cutting-edge technology, advanced aerodynamics, and breathtaking design. 

The Valkyrie boasts a magnificent 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth, producing approximately 1,160 horsepower. This immense power output places the Valkyrie among the most potent hypercars in existence. 

In addition to the V12 engine, the Valkyrie features a 160-horsepower electric motor, creating a full hybrid powertrain that delivers extraordinary acceleration and performance. The hybrid system is complemented by a state-of-the-art 1.3 kWh Rimac KERS hybrid battery system. 

The transmission system includes a 7-speed Ricardo transmission, utilizing a single-clutch automated manual setup to ensure precise and rapid gear changes. The Valkyrie's design is nothing short of aerodynamic ingenuity, with an emphasis on delivering exceptional downforce while minimizing drag. 

Aston Martin collaborated with legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, known for his expertise in creating aerodynamically efficient and visually stunning racing cars. Using advanced materials and construction techniques blessed the Valkyrie with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. 

With a keen focus on lightweight engineering, the Valkyrie delivers a remarkable driving experience that surpasses conventional hypercar performance standards. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is anticipated to be ready for the Le Mans Hypercar class in 2025. 

Future Le Mans Hypercar – McLaren GT3 Racer

^{Not actual in-development car. This is the 720S.}

The McLaren Le Mans hypercar is a significant and exciting development as the renowned British manufacturer expands its racing program, focusing on the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

Introducing a newly developed GT3 racer, McLaren has confirmed its intention to compete at Le Mans in the 2024 season alongside various other World Endurance Championship (WEC) races. 

The GT3 racer should compete with distinctive rivalry in the LMGT3 class, providing an exhilarating spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts and fans. McLaren developed the new GT3 racer on the successful 720S platform, underpinning its performance-oriented design and race-readiness. 

Its powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine demonstrates McLaren's innovative engineering. McLaren’s bid to return to the Le Mans in 2024 commemorates the victory of the iconic F1 GTR in its inaugural Le Mans appearance in 1995. 

The LMGT3 class, which replaces the GTE category, heralds a new chapter for McLaren, where it will challenge prominent rivals, including Porsche, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. Partnering with United Autosports, an Anglo-American team led by McLaren's F1 boss Zak Brown, should help elevate McLaren's motorsport program. 

Le Mans Hypercars versus F1 Cars

Are Le Mans hypercars faster than F1 cars? LMH cars typically have faster acceleration, making them more likely to win in a drag race when compared to F1 cars. On the other hand, F1 cars are lighter and produce more downforce, making them faster in corners and over a full lap. 

So, comparing Le Mans Hypercars (LMH) and Formula 1 cars is a matter of different design and racing purposes. 

LMH cars are designed to race for many hours at a time, covering endurance races, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In contrast, F1 cars are designed for shorter races, typically lasting around 90 minutes. 

Furthermore, Formula 1 cars typically produce around 1,000 horsepower, while the total power output for LMH cars is capped at 670 horsepower. However, the power-to-weight ratio and specific features of each type of car can affect their overall performance.