Peugeot and Total developing Le Mans hypercar

By CARSIFU | 20 September 2020


PARIS: Peugeot and Total are kicking off their hypercar (LMH) project under the newly created Le Mans Hypercar class that is set to replace the Le Mans Prototype LMP1 class from the 2021 season.

Both companies have begun development of the electric hybrid hypercar, which will be able to reach 500kW power and be 4-wheel driven, as required by the regulations.

The car is expected to be ready for endurance racing in 2022.

According to Peugeot Sport WEC programme technical director Olivier Jansonnie, the car would have an electric motor and a maximum power of 200kW/268hp on the front axle.

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Up to 500kW (670hp) would be distributed between the two axles.

In comparison with what we currently know in LMP1, the car will be heavier so as to be compatible with road vehicles. It will also be longer and wider.

The car would have to comply with a parameter called "Balance of Performance". It sets limits, but also allows room for technical possibilities such as the general shape, as long as a certain overall aerodynamic efficiency is not exceeded as measured in a 1:1 scale wind tunnel.

The collaboration has already resulted in the drafting of sketches that reveal the first conceptions of design and include the fundamental required elements, particularly the dimensions.

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"These sketches are the first design drafts intended to help us identify the important segments on which we should focus on. The three claw marks and the colours are symbols that we wish to produce on our hypercar," said Peugeot design director.
Matthias Hossann.

"Our signature found in the light impressions are part of the strong identity emblems present on our production vehicles and that we wish to reproduce in the race."

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