New photos of the 2023 Porsche LMDh automobile have been released, as well as confirmation of the combustion engine that will be used as part of the powertrain.
Porsche released some new images of its new LMDh endurance racer in testing, slated to debut in 2023. The company has ramped up excitement for the new era of endurance racing.
The LMDh prototype has been running at the Stuttgart outfit’s Weissach test facility, still in camouflage livery, with the car displaying apparent lineage to the Multimatic-built LMP2 chassis on which it is based.
Porsche has announced that it will use a twin turbo V8 to accompany a 50kW hybrid system (67bhp). Bosch is responsible for the hybrid motor, while Williams Advanced Engineering is in charge of the battery and Xtrac is in charge of the gearbox. The total power output put will be 500kW when combined with the motor (680bhp).
“When choosing the engine for our LMDh prototype, we were spoiled for choice, because the product range offers several promising basic units,” head of Porsche Motorsport Thomas Laudenbach explained.
“We opted for the V8 bi-turbo, which we believe offers the best combination in terms of performance, weight and cost. Starting the active testing program was an important step for the project.”
“The roll-out of the LMDh racing car was also the first track use by Porsche Penske Motorsport,” said its LMDh project manager Urs Kuratle.
“The team worked well together from the start. This proves the high level of professionalism in all areas involved. Because the necessary operational requirements for the safe operation of a hybrid vehicle are very high,” he continued.
“In the next assignments, the necessary processes and procedures can be further deepened. During these first test days in Weissach, the V8 biturbo convinced us in every respect. We are certain that we have chosen exactly the right unit.”
The Porsche LMDh program, which is run by Penske in the United States, will compete in both the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA series in the United States.
As of now, Porsche’s LMDh programme has signed former Sauber F1 driver Felipe Nasr and sports-car racer Dane Cameron.
In addition to Porsche for the LMDh category next year, Audi, Honda’s Acura brand, Cadillac, BMW (in IMSA) and Alpine will compete in the Hypercar category, while Toyota, Peugeot, Ferrari and Glickenhaus will compete in the LMDh category.
