The success of the new global category of prototypes is more than evident. WEC and IMSA will host in their respective queen categories -hypercar and GTP-, indistinctly, to the prototypes built under LMH and LMDh technical regulations. These second prototypes, with a common hybrid system and developed from chassis that will give life to the next generation of LMP2 vehicles, have been the path chosen to compete in this new scenario by major brands such as Audi -project on stand by-, Porsche, BMW, Acura, Alpine and Cadillac in the next years.
However, from saying to doing there is a long way and in the month of May 2022 the situation of the LMDh category is at least quite discreet. Leaving aside the Audi project due to its stoppage and that of Alpine, since the French brand aims to compete in 2024, only Porsche has put its LMDh prototype on the track. The rest of the manufacturers, in theory with the aim of competing in 2023, have not passed the design phase of their prototypes. And we talk about big brands like Acura, Cadillac or BMW.
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Porsche has already accumulated at least three tests -that are known- with its LMDh prototype, making it the only manufacturer to add high mileage with the standard 200kW hybrid system that the class is going to use. A scenario that according to urs kuratleresponsible for Porsche’s LMDh program, has advantages and disadvantages for the German brand: «In the end, the balance will be balanced, on the one hand, we have a benefit, but it also means an extra effort on the other hand. We are on the right track, ahead of other manufacturers, but at the same time we are validating the common hybrid system for all».
«Our first test was with a ‘semi-hybrid’ system, without all the components. It was very important for us to do it this way, because not everything is the hybrid system in this car. There are many other components. We already did the second test with the complete hybrid system and little by little we increased the functionalities. In Barcelona and Spa it was already a ‘full-hybrid’ car. We are a manufacturer, that gives us a certain advantage, but we’re doing ‘everyone’s’ job and that means big costs at the end of the day» added Urs Kuratle.
Jonathan Diuguidmanaging director of Porsche Penke, agrees that part of Porsche’s work will benefit other brands: «I think it is a huge advantage to be already in an advanced phase of testing, because if something fails or doesn’t work correctly, we learn. Either to optimize its operation or to establish repair protocols. Nevertheless, It seems clear that we are spending a lot of time and resources on testing that other manufacturers will benefit from. by finding a more tuned hybrid system ».
Source: SportsCar365
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Photos: porsche motorsport