A grand battle of motorsports is manifesting. With all the unbelievable hypercars being launched in recent years, the border between road and race car has grown infinitely thin.
So thin, in fact, hypercars will replace the current top class of vehicles competing in FIA World Endurance Championship and particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Hypercars will race at Le Mans
The International Automobile Federation announced a new Hypercar class for season 2020/2021. Manufacturers will be able to construct a new hypercar or develop a racing version of an existing high-performance road car.
This move aims to cut down cost for participants and provoke public interest as more relatable cars enter the race.
LMP1 cars are highly specific and only good for two things – winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans and setting records at Nurburgring. At the same time, their development programs cost mountains of cash.
Closely after the FIA announcement Aston Martin and Toyota declared they will participate in the following season, racing with their upcoming hypercars.
Toyota GR Super Sport Concept is a 985 HP LMP1-inspired hypercar
Toyota has dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans race for the last two years, taking the 1st and 2nd place both times. Last year, they announced the Toyota GR Super Sport Concept – a road-going version of their champion LMP1 car.
The 2.4-liter, twin-turbo, V6 engine, proprietary Toyota Hybrid System-Racing, and much of the internal components come directly from the Le Mans Prototype.
A new, more appealing, body was created to wrap the vehicle.
Well, Gazoo Racing goes full circle, as the Super Sport Concept will become the base for their new Le Mans-spec hypercar. In fact, the new car is already testing.
Aston Martin Valkyrie represents the best of British automotive engineering
Aston Martin assembled a team of high-profile manufacturers to create the ultimate Formula One-derived road car.
Between Cosworth’s powertrain expertise, Red Bull’s F1 design experience and Aston Martin’s prowess in the consumer side of automotive development, the Valkyrie promises to be a vehicle of different level.
The naturally aspirated V12 engine and Rimac KERS unit will produce 1,176 horsepower in a vehicle that weighs just 2,425 pounds.
Aston Martin confirmed it will race a Valkyrie at 24 Hours of Le Mans, aiming for the overall victory.
Battle of the titans
Toyota GR Super Sport Concept and Aston Martin Valkyrie represent the highest level of engineering perfection. Each car adapts technology from the world’s toughest racing formats for use on public roads.
With more manufacturers building next-generation hypercars, having a common format to determine their true performance is both necessary and extremely entertaining.
Of course, neither car will go to Le Mans in its current format. FIA’s new regulations limit maximum power to 750 hp and minimum weight to 2425 lb.
Both will have to be seriously de-tuned. However, they will keep most of their DNA, including exterior design, which was heavily governed until now.