Peugeot’s 9x8 Hypercar Moves Forward Ever Since 2022 World Endurance Championship

Peugeot made a grand entry into the 2022 World Endurance Championship (WEC) with its 9x8 hypercar. They deserve credit for tackling a challenging course, and notably, the French automaker opted to remove the controversial roof wings.

In an update from Daily Sports Car, Peugeot plans to add a new rear wing to the 9x8 hypercar to give it a competitive edge.

Unlike Formula 1, WEC provides more leeway in terms of aerodynamics, allowing Peugeot to take a bold step with a wingless design. This choice aims to improve straight-line performance—important, as Le Mans features some of the longest straights in motorsport history.

However, the FIA hasn't yet approved Peugeot's new concept. The governing body must first ensure that the modifications align with the Balance of Performance (BOP) regulations, a process that can take time.

Le Mans hypercars are permitted up to five performance upgrades, not counting those for safety and reliability. Since the 2022 races began, the wingless Peugeot 9x8 made a single appearance at the 2023 Six Hours of Monza.

While Toyota leads the pack, Ferrari isn't far behind, having won the prestigious 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans after a 58-year absence.

The competition is set to heat up with incoming high-profile brands like BMW and Lamborghini, the latter of which recently revealed its SC63 hypercar, powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8.

Peugeot has some distance to cover before fully committing to next year’s grid. After two seasons, the team concluded that a wingless design wouldn't necessarily guarantee a first-place finish. Nonetheless, the car could excel at venues suitable for low-downforce vehicles. Further modifications are in the pipeline.

The updated Peugeot 9x8 is expected to debut its new design in December and undergo testing before the 2024 race season.