Add Cadillac to the growing list of automakers preparing cars for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The General Motors luxury-car division announced August 24 that it has a fourth-generation Cadillac V-Series prototype in development and plans to compete in the LMDh Hypercar competition in 2023.
The Hypercar category for hybrid-powered racing cars launched this past weekend at the 89th round-the-clock race in western France, with Toyota finishing 1-2. Peugeot, Ferrari and Porsche already have announced plans to return to Le Mans in 2022 or 2023.
Cadillac also will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series.
“For nearly 20 years, Cadillac V-Series has brought winning technologies from the racetrack to our performance cars on the road,” Rory Harvey, Cadillac global vice president, was quoted in the company’s announcement. “We look forward to continuing that heritage by competing in this exciting new chapter at the highest level of international motorsport.”
According to Cadillac, its new LMDh-V.R “is designed to conform to IMSA and ACO Le Mans Daytona hybrid specifications for the new top tier of endurance racing that replaces the current DPi class. As with the other competitors in the series, it will be based on a standardized chassis and incorporate the spec hybrid powertrain system, but will feature a unique combustion engine and distinctive bodywork.”
Cadillac said its entry is being developed in a partnership between GM Design and racing car constructor Dallara.
“A new Cadillac engine package will work in conjunction with the LMDh common hybrid system,” the company said, adding that it also will partner with Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing to campaign its cars, which are scheduled to debut in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2023.
Cadillac’s announcement likely means there will be no Chevrolet Corvette Hypercar entry for Le Mans, which the Chevy sports car compete in the Grand Touring category.
