Peugeot Has Unveiled Its 9X8 Hypercar For The 2022 Le Mans

In 2022, the French carmaker will compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours with its new Peugeot 9X8 hypercar, which will have a 670bhp hybrid motor but, oddly, no rear wing.

The last time the French team competed at Le Mans was in 2011. It will participate in the FIA World Endurance Championship with two Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) cars next year, taking on the Toyota GR010 Hybrid.

The new LMH rules include restrictions on key bodywork sections and a total powertrain output cap of 670bhp, but they provide manufacturers a lot of flexibility to show off different models and tech. To strive to provide a level playing field between the LMH and LMP2-based LMDh machines, performance balancing will be implemented.

The new LMH rules, according to Peugeot Sport technical director Olivier Jansonnie, provided his team "flexibility to experiment, innovate, and explore off-the-wall solutions to optimize the car's performance, particularly its aerodynamics."

Although rear wings have long been one of the most important aerodynamic equipment for generating downforce, Peugeot Sport claims that the 9X8's outstanding aerodynamic efficiency allows it to operate without one.

Jansonnie stated: “The regulations say that just one adjustable aerodynamic device is permitted, without mentioning the back wing. Our calculations and simulations showed that great performance could be achieved without one.”

Jansonnie didn't say which part of the 9X8's aerodynamics has been made customizable.

The 9X8 has aerodynamically shaped bodywork, including sculpted wheel rims, wing vents above the tires, and integrated mirrors. The appearance incorporates a variety of Peugeot design features, such as the claw-like headlight design.

Peugeot says it dedicated special attention to interior design, which includes a cockpit based on the company's i-Cockpit concept.

The choice was made, according to Peugeot design director Matthias Hossann, so that the 9X8 will be "clearly recognizable as a Peugeot in onboard camera images."

The 9X8 will be driven by a 670bhp 2.6-liter 90deg V6 petrol engine driving the rear axle, with a 268bhp front-mounted 900V electric motor-generator operating the front axle, as previously stated by Peugeot Sport.

The car is powered by a seven-speed transmission that automatically balances power between the engine and the motor to produce a maximum of 670bhp.

The 9X8 designation relates to the company's motorsport origins as well as its electrified logo. Peugeot's previous Le Mans contenders, the 905 and 908, were given the 9 prefix, while the X stands for Peugeot's four-wheel-drive technology and a hybrid powertrain. The 8 suffix refers to the company's current road vehicle lineup.

The team will run two 9X8 machines in the WEC and at Le Mans next year, with ex-Formula 1 drivers Jean-Éric Vergne, Kevin Magnussen, and Paul di Resta among the drivers.

In the LMH class, Peugeot will compete against Toyota, and later in 2023, the two manufacturers will also face a number of rivals constructing cars in the LMDh configuration. Ferrari, Acura, Audi, BMW, and Porsche have all expressed interest in the category.