FIA chose Le Mans, where the 24-hour race is being held this weekend, to reveal details about the new hypercar class that will replace the LMP1 in the World Endurance Championship.
First confirmed last week, the new top-class tier of racing will be introduced for 2020 and regulations will be finalized by November, Motorsport reports.
According to FIA, the category will include “hypercars, supercars, luxury GTs or concept cars.” In a bid to ensure that the vehicles are identifiable, manufacturer design must take precedence over aerodynamics. In fact, most of the vehicle’s downforce will be produced by underbody aerodynamics.
Costs associated with the new class will be a quarter of LMP1 budgets, but no specific numbers have been announced just yet.
Vehicles competing in the new hypercar class will be hybrid-powered and all-wheel drive. The cars will target lap times in the 3 minute 20 second range on limited fuel, just a few seconds off the current times achieved by LMP1 cars.
Competing constructors will be required to use a similar KERS system on a production car at a pre-defined price. Privateers will be offered a common hybrid system and ECU.
“The new regulations for the FIA World Endurance Championship, which come into effect for the 2020/21 season, are the result of hard work between members of the FIA, ACO, manufacturers and teams,” FIA president Jean Todt said.
“This will provide endurance racing with a long-term, stable platform while continuing to offer a cost-effective stage to showcase future technologies.”
Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, Ford and Toyota have all been involved in discussions for the new rules.
Renderings via Marco van Overbeeke