After design, computer simulations and wind tunnel tests, it’s time to test on the circuit for the Peugeot 9X8. The hybrid hypercar, which will make its endurance debut in 2022, has made its first laps. Surprise! The rear spoiler is no longer integrated into the body.
During the presentation of the 9X8 last summer, Peugeot promised that its endurance hypercar would make its first laps before the end of this year. It’s done ; the first tests of the hybrid prototype took place recently as the builder to the lion announces with a photo. ” The promise was difficult to keep in the current context, between the restrictions linked to Covid-19 and the supply difficulties that affect the entire automotive industry », We are told, not without pride, at Peugeot Sport.
Will the Peugeot 9X8 finally have a spoiler?
On the only image of the road published by Peugeot, a black rectangle on which is written the name of the team cleverly hides the stern of the car. Both sides seem to protrude from the ends of a spoiler covering the entire width of the car. However, one of the specificities of the 9X8, as it was unveiled a few months ago, was to do without such an appendix. ” Our calculations and simulations have shown that we can perform very well without a rear spoiler. “, Explained last summer Olivier Jansonnie, WEC technical director of Peugeot Sport. Mickaël Found, in charge of the WEC design project, added: ” We wanted to break with the continuity of racing cars that we have known for a very long time. “
In the fall, a rumor emerged that a change in tire regulations would thwart Peugeot’s initial plans and could delay the arrival of the 9X8. The installation of a fin that generates more downforce could be used to compensate for a lack of grip caused by narrower than expected tires. Sparing suspense, Peugeot is for the time being guarded against any confirmation. Note that, according to the latest news, the WEC Hypercar regulations allow an adjustable aerodynamic element.
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Peugeot 9X8, hybrid hypercar of 680 hp
The Hypercar class is divided into two categories: LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) and LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h). In the first, the teams design their cars from A to Z. In the second, the chassis is supplied by Dallara, Multimatic, Ligier or Oreca. In either case, the combined power of the powertrain must not exceed 680 hp and the vehicle weight must be equal to or greater than 1030 kg. The Peugeot 9X8 is an all-wheel drive LMH powered by a 680 hp mid-rear twin-turbo V6 and 270 hp front electric motor. The electronic management of the motorization ensures that the power supplied at a given moment T does not exceed the maximum authorized.
Decisive tests for competing projects
” The design of the car is finished, now we are fully dedicated to its development. », We are told at Peugeot. The car is due to make its competitive debut in the 2022 season, but a participation in the next 24 Hours of Le Mans remains to be confirmed. Once homologated, the car will have to keep its specifications until 2025. A hasty finalization with a view to entering the Le Mans event at the earliest could therefore pay dearly thereafter, especially since the French brand will face other major manufacturers such as Toyota and Porsche, 19 times winner of the 24 Hours, which will return there in 2023, the centenary of the race. Peugeot therefore wants to ensure the performance and reliability of its new machine, and intends to adjust its strategy over the tests of the 9X8. The final appearance of the latter and the firm’s endurance plans for the next two years should be revealed in the coming months.
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