Porsche's new LMDh racer to use twin-turbo hybrid V8

UPDATE, February 15, 2022: More camouflage is starting to come off Porsche's LMDh challenger, with its front lights showing off design cues from the road car range.

Having previously been teased in camo all over, the prototype has now been shown off running with LED headlights, which mimic both the Taycan production car and the Mission R concept.

4

Much like most of the sports cars in Porsche's range, the units feature four distinct LEDs, although in this case they take up the whole light assembly rather than just the surrounds of the main globe.

Given the LMDh category will be racing in 24-hour events such as Le Mans and Daytona, the addition of headlights is a considerate touch for its drivers.

The story to here

4

February 1, 2022: Porsche has released fresh images of its upcoming LMDh race car that will compete in the 2023 World Endurance Championship, while also confirming that the new vehicle will run a twin-turbo V8 engine with hybrid technology.

Fellow Volkswagen Group member Audi will likewise field a competitor against rivals Peugeot, Toyota, and Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.

Confirming the engine for the new competitor, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, Thomas Laudenbach, said: "We decided on the V8 bi-turbo, which we feel offers the best combination of performance characteristics, weight and costs.

​​"We were spoiled for choice with the engine for our LMDh prototype, because the product range offers several promising baseline units."

4

Porsche has further confirmed that the engine is based on the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine found in the Cayenne and Panamera, although it has been heavily modified for its application in the car. The same unit is used in Audi Sport models, suggesting the upcoming Audi LMP1 will house an identical motor.

We can fully expect a power output of between 480kW and 520kW, given that is the band set to meet the Balance of Performance parameters, with a 10,000rpm limit and minimum weight of 180 kilograms.

Porsche's 2023 team will be a factory-supported entrant, and there could yet be spots available within the customer racing program if it can be serviced.