Porsche announced its return to Le Mans in 2023 with a set of rear photos

Reporter | Liu Zeran

Edit |

1

In 2017, after winning the LMP1 (Prototype) category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for three consecutive years, Porsche withdrew from the prototype category. After a lapse of five years, Porsche is showing its new endurance prototype for the first time, which will compete in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans.

German manufacturers will join the cost-controlled LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) group in 2023. Starting next year, Porsche will launch a comprehensive test program for the new car. In addition, Porsche announced that the newly signed experienced racing drivers Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr would join the R&D team and guide the development process.

Hazy public images show some of the features of the new car – mainly on the rear and large rear wings. The new car has a unique, lower-arranged brake light bar.

Unlike the Le Mans Hypercar, in which Toyota and Peugeot competed, the LMDh rules are based on a total chassis, and participants must develop the car based on a scheme from one of the four suppliers. Porsche is currently working with Audi, and the two different cars competing from both manufacturers will use a chassis made by Multimatic.

The aerodynamic specifications of the car have been determined, but Porsche can independently customize its own bodywork while planning its own racing power system within a certain range. In fact, all LMDh group cars must use a hybrid system as a power source. Peak output power is also limited, with a maximum of 670 horsepower.

LMDh racing cars will qualify for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) including Le Mans and the US IMSA Championship. Porsche has confirmed that it will participate in both races, and the American racing team Penske will work with Porsche and develop a plan.

The two penske Porsche Motorsport teams will begin testing the new LMDh cars as early as January.

When it returns to endurance racing in 2023, Porsche will face fierce competition – in addition to LMH-class Toyota and Peugeot, brands such as Audi, BMW and Ferrari all plan to compete in the LMDh category in 2023.