Peugeot enters the LMH fray
9X8 Hybrid4 prepares to take on Toyota and Glickenhaus in Le Mans Hypercars – and all without a wing in sight
THE 2022 RACING CALENDAR IS SET TO be a transformative one, with Formula 1 and the WRC preparing to introduce large-scale rule changes. The World Endurance Championship will continue its metamorphosis too, as the Le Mans Hypercar class enters its second season and Peugeot joins the line-up with its new 9X8 Hybrid4 500kw.
As a quick recap, the Le Mans Hypercar class replaces the old LMP1 category, and offers more flexibility than the LMDH class being phased in from 2023 and in which Audi, Porsche and BMW will compete. Toyota and Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus are already campaigning LMH machines in 2021, and now Peugeot has decided to capitalise on the Le Mans Hypercar regs with the creation of its own bespoke chassis, powertrain and ambitious new aero package.
The 9X8’s main power source is a new 2.6-litre twin-turbo 90-degree V6 petrol engine mounted longitudinally behind the driver in a mid-rear layout. It will produce a maximum of 671bhp and drive the rear wheels via a seven-speed sequential transmission. The decision to develop this new V6 was made due to its ideal compromise between power density, packaging and weight (it tips the scales at 165kg), and the engine has been created purely for motorsport, with there being no plans to make it available in a road-going form.
In addition to the internal combustion engine is a 200kw (268bhp) electric motor mounted on the front axle and driving the front wheels – hence the ‘Hybrid4’ part of the car’s name. When combined, these two propulsion systems could significantly exceed the 671bhp (500kw) power cap dictated by the Hypercar regulations, so Peugeot Sport will avoid this by actively modulating the petrol engine’s output depending on the contribution of the electric motor.
According to Hypercar powertrain rules, the front motor is not allowed to function below 75mph, so this is when the petrol engine’s full 671bhp will be called upon. The V6’s full output can also be used whenever energy from the batteries for the electric motor has been depleted. This complex engine management will be monitored and controlled by the racer’s electronic brain, with telemetry being automatically transmitted to race officials to ensure the rules are being adhered to.
The 9X8’s brakes are by wire and, as in F1 and LMP1, will utilise both friction and regenerative braking, with regen levels adjustable from the cockpit. The Hypercar regulations also specify a limit for downforce, which Peugeot Sport’s racer achieves without the need for a tall, drag-inducing rear wing. Instead, downforce is built on top of the 9X8’s body panels, and is then actively balanced with aero devices built into the bodywork itself.