Peugeot has unveiled an updated version of its 9X8 Le Mans Hypercar, now featuring a rear wing. The original design of the 9X8 was notable for its absence of a rear wing, a radical departure from conventional endurance racing car designs. However, Peugeot has acknowledged that some of the design choices made earlier are no longer optimal for current racing regulations.
Adapting to New Regulations
The new 9X8 will compete in the remainder of the 2024 World Endurance Championship (WEC), which includes the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Peugeot's return to the top tier of the WEC in 2022 saw the team finish no higher than third place. The original 9X8 was developed to meet the technical regulations established in 2020/2021, but these regulations have since evolved, necessitating a shift in design philosophy.
Redesign for Improved Performance
Olivier Jansonnie, Peugeot Sport Technical Director, explained that the performance difference was not adequately compensated by the Balance of Performance (BOP) in 2023. As a result, the decision was made to redesign the car to align more closely with the designs of their rivals. This redesign includes changes to the tire sizes, with the new version using 29cm front tires and 34cm rear tires. These changes required adjustments to the car's center of gravity and aerodynamics, leading to a redesign of approximately 90% of the bodywork components, most notably the addition of the rear wing.
Upgrades for Reliability and Performance
In addition to the aerodynamic and design changes, Peugeot has also implemented reliability and performance upgrades in the new 9X8. These enhancements aim to provide the team with the best possible chances in the championship.
Competitive Debut at Imola
The revised Peugeot 9X8 is set to make its competitive debut in Round 2 of the 2024 WEC, the 6 Hours of Imola, on April 21. With the updated design and improvements, Peugeot aims to achieve better results in the championship and continue its legacy in endurance racing.