A group of cars at the Road America, featuring three LMDh manufacturers

An LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h)[1] is a type of sports prototype race car that competes alongside Le Mans Hypercar entries in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship from 2023.[2] It also competes in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship.[3]

The LMDh ruleset was created jointly by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO).[4] The cars serve as the successor to the Daytona Prototype International class, utilising regulations that were planned to become the next-generation Daytona Prototype International ruleset, converged with the Le Mans Hypercar ruleset.[5]

The FIA World Motor Sport Council had allowed LMDh cars to participate in the 2022 WEC season on a race-by-race basis, "to ensure the seamless introduction" in 2023, however no LMDh cars would actually participate at any race in the 2022 season.[6]

History

DPi 2.0

Following the FIA World Endurance Championship's transition to a winter calendar in 2018, IMSA announced in January 2018, that it would extend the homologation periods for LMP2, DPi and GTE-spec machinery in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship by an additional year. This would delay the homologation periods in the championship by roughly six months, which necessitated the homologation extension from IMSA. As such, the DPi and LMP2 cars, which were originally confirmed for a four-year period through 2020, would now be eligible for competition until at least the end of the 2021 season.[7] Despite calls from manufacturers to retain the DPi platform and regulations for the 2022 season, then-IMSA President Scott Atherton announced that IMSA was looking at other options beyond a further extension to the life of the DPi platform.[8]

On May 6 2019, IMSA announced that the next generation DPi ruleset, known as DPi 2.0 would be an evolution based on the current LMP2-based platform, featuring hybrid technology from a single supplier, with supply voltage being unconfirmed.[9] A few days later, IMSA's VP of Competition Simon Hodgson stated that the next-generation DPi regulations would be expected to feature increased styling measures, by opening up more areas where manufacturers were able to add styling cues. Hodgson also indicated that the enlarged scope for styling cues may also come alongside regulations that dictated minimum level of styling required from each manufacturer.[10]

On June 24 2019, it was revealed that IMSA had held discussions with manufacturers regarding the incorporation of hybrid technology in the next-generation DPi ruleset, with manufacturers on the DPi 2.0 steering committee divided over the level electrification in the hybrid systems. Electrification concepts proposed included high and low-voltage systems of varying costs.[11] A further meeting held in late June saw a 400-volt system, providing in the range of 70-90 kW (90-120 hp) of electric power emerge as the leading electrification option.[12] However, despite 400-volt systems having emerged as the leading option in June, it was revealed in September that discussions had yet to reach any form of consensus, although it was agreed that manufacturers could build their own hybrid systems.[13]

DPi 2.0 and LMH convergence

Following the 2019 "Super Sebring" weekend which saw the 2019 12 Hours of Sebring held on the same weekend as the inaugural 1000 Miles of Sebring, WEC CEO Gerard Neveu revealed the possibility of DPi becoming included as part of the "Hypercar" regulations, with the integration of DPis depending on the performance levels of both platforms. [14] On July 31, 2019, FIA World Endurance Championship CEO Gerard Neveu revealed that an active effort was underway between the ACO and IMSA technical departments to seek similar performance targets between Hypercar and DPi 2.0, which would allow for both platforms to eventually crossover and compete head to head.[15]

On November 11, 2019, WEC's sole LMP1 manufacturer Toyota stated it would be open for DPi integration into the FIA World Endurance Championship's top class, on the condition it would not hinder the Japanese manufacturer from displaying its hybrid technology.[16] Shortly after the release of the LMH Technical regulations, McLaren announced it would not be considering a LMH programme, and instead called for DPi to be brought into the WEC, with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown stating that a LMH programme was unviable for the British manufacturer, calling for steep reduction in costs.[17] Ford and Porsche expressed similar sentiments, calling for convergence between LMH and DPi.[18]

On 15 January 2020, Toyota Racing Development president and general manager David Wilson expressed support for convergence between both platforms, stating that convergence of the two platforms would serve as a compelling reason for Lexus to launch a DPi programme.[19]

LMDh

On 24 January 2020, ahead of the 2020 24 Hours of Daytona, a joint ACO and IMSA press conference was held at the Daytona International Speedway,[20] where ACO and IMSA announced the new Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) ruleset. It would supersede the Daytona Prototype International, and was converged with the Le Mans Hypercar regulations. It was planned to first be introduced in Europe starting from September 2021, before having its North American debut in 2022 at the 2022 Rolex 24 at Daytona.[5][21]

Despite initial plans to allow manufacturers to build their own hybrid systems, this was scrapped in the draft LMDh regulations released in May, in favour of a spec 50kW hybrid system.[22] The draft regulations stated that a car weight of 1030 kg, 500 kW peak of combined power from engine and hybrid system, a single bodywork package, a single tyre supplier, alongside a global Balance of Performance system to balance out LMDh and LMH cars.[23][24] The gearbox hybrid system will be supplied by Xtrac with an integrated motor generator unit supplied by Bosch and batteries from Williams Advanced Engineering.[25][26][27] The chassis suppliers will be Dallara, Ligier, Multimatic and Oreca.[25] IMSA has said it will refer to the class as GTP, in reference to the 1980s category.[28]

Confirmed manufacturers

Manufacturer Model Picture Chassis Debut Source
Acura ARX-06
Oreca 2023 24 Hours of Daytona [29]
BMW M Hybrid V8
Dallara 2023 24 Hours of Daytona [30]
Cadillac V-Series.R
Dallara 2023 24 Hours of Daytona [31]
Porsche 963
Multimatic 2023 24 Hours of Daytona [32]
Alpine A424
Oreca 2024 (TBD) [33][34][35][36]
Lamborghini SC63
Ligier 2024 (TBD) [37][38]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "LMDh Technical Regulations" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 5 May 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  2. ↑ "IMSA Top Class to Be Named GTP Beginning in 2023". www.imsa.com. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  3. ↑ "WEC allows LMDh cars to race in Hypercar class in 2022". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
  4. ↑ "ACO, IMSA reveal LMDh regulation details". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
  5. 1 2 Pruett, Marshall (24 January 2020). "LMDh to replace DPi in new IMSA ACO convergence". www.racer.com. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  6. ↑ "FIA announces World Motor Sport Council decisions". www.fia.com. 19 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2 April 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  7. ↑ Dagys, John. "IMSA Extends LMP2, DPi, GTE Homologation Periods – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  8. ↑ Dagys, John. "Atherton Downplays DPi Regs Extension; "New Content" for '22 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  9. ↑ Dagys, John. "IMSA Confirms 'Mild Hybrid', Evolution Strategy for DPi 2.0 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  10. ↑ Dagys, John. "DPi 2.0 Set for Increased Styling Measures – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  11. ↑ Dagys, John. "IMSA Yet to Decide on Hybrid Voltage for DPi 2.0 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  12. ↑ Dagys, John. "High-Voltage Hybrids Emerge as Favored Option for DPi 2.0 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  13. ↑ "Hybrid Size & Shape, The Sticking Point For DPI 2022? – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  14. ↑ Dagys, John. "FIA, ACO Leave Door Open for DPis in New Top Class Regs – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  15. ↑ Dagys, John. "Neveu Hopeful of Hypercar, DPi 2.0 Crossover for 2022 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  16. ↑ Dagys, John. "Toyota Open to DPi Integration into WEC's Top Class – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  17. ↑ "McLaren won't build hypercar, wants DPi in WEC". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  18. ↑ "McLaren & Porsche Still Pushing For Hypercar-DPi 2.0 Convergence – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  19. ↑ Dagys, John. "Lexus in Support of DPi/Hypercar Convergence; Le Mans Prospects – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  20. ↑ "Significant Conference To Take Place Tomorrow – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  21. ↑ Silvestro, Brian (2020-01-24). "ACO and IMSA Are Creating a New Joint Top-Level Le Mans Prototype Class". Road & Track. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  22. ↑ "LMDH-Hypercar Convergence Technical Details Released (Updated) – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  23. ↑ Cotton, Andrew (28 January 2020). "WEC Hypercar update". www.racecar‑engineering.com. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  24. ↑ "New LMDh prototype car will compete for victory at Le Mans and Daytona". Motor Sport Magazine. 2020-01-24. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  25. 1 2 "Xtrac appointed gearbox supplier for New Hybrid sports car endurance racing". Newbury Weekly News Business Today section. 8 October 2020.
  26. ↑ "Williams Advanced Engineering (Wae) Appointed as Exclusive Battery System Supplier for the LMDH Regulations". 18 September 2020.
  27. ↑ "Le Mans Daytona hybrid system". Bosch Motorsport. Retrieved 2023-04-01. Bosch Motorsport is ... the supplier of the unified hybrid system.
  28. ↑ Pruett, Marshall (27 January 2022). "IMSA to salute its history by rebranding LMDh as GTP". Racer magazine. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  29. ↑ Marshall Pruett (26 January 2021). "Acura confirms LMDh program". Racer.
  30. ↑ Richard S. James (13 November 2021). "BMW confirms move to LMDh with BMW Team RLL". Sportscar365.
  31. ↑ Daniel Lloyd (24 August 2021). "Cadillac Announces LMDh Program with AXR, Ganassi". Sportscar365.
  32. ↑ Gary Watkins (15 December 2020). "Porsche LMDh prototype set for Le Mans, WEC, IMSA in 2023". Motorsport.com.
  33. ↑ "24 Hours of Le Mans – Alpine to compete in Hypercar starting in 2024".
  34. ↑ "Alpine tease Le Mans unveiling of 2024 Hypercar".
  35. ↑ "Alpine unveils its 2024 LMDh challenger for WEC". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  36. ↑ "A424_Β ALPINE HYPERCAR FOR 2024".
  37. ↑ "Lamborghini announces development of its LMDh hybrid sports car prototype racing program". www.lamborghini.com. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  38. ↑ "Ligier To Provide Chassis For 2024 Lamborghini LMDh | dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2022-06-07.
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