The new LMP3s will arrive in 2020

After the success of the first generation of LMP3 with 170 examples sold, the ACO will launch the second generation of these prototypes in 2020.

Four manufacturers were selected for this second generation: Ligier, Duqueine Engineering (Norma's new owner), Ginetta and Adess who have all already completed LMP3s. Oreca will remain the exclusive supplier of the powertrain including the engine, gearbox and electronics.

Current LMP3s will be able to receive an evolution kit which will be focused on performance, design and safety. The Nissan V8 will gain 35hp to develop 455hp. Engine blocks already leaving the factory can be adapted to achieve this power and last until the end of their life cycle. An anti-skid system will be installed.

“In other disciplines, the regulations require a car change every 4 or 5 years, which we did not want to do, because it would have meant that 170 cars were unusable and each team had to invest €239 to start over a 000-year cycle, comments Vincent Daumesnil, the ACO Sport Director. Our approach was to offer the teams already present to upgrade their cars, significantly, for an annual depreciation of €16. The kit was obvious since all the manufacturers selected in this phase 500 have already delivered LMP2s. »

“For newcomers, it is necessary to compare the LMP3 offer (cost / performance) compared to disciplines with similar criteria, added Vincent Daumesnil. For example, GT3, which is an attractive discipline throughout the world, offers a car approximately 3s (on a standard circuit) and 5s (at Le Mans) slower than an LMP3, for a purchase price of around €400 and more depending on the model, and unregulated spare parts costs unlike the LMP000. Only the GT3 could be compared to the LMP4 in terms of costs (around €3 for an Audi R200 LMS GT000), but the level of performance and technique is far from it since these cars are 8 to 4 seconds faster per lap. »

The prices set by the regulations will be €4900 for the upgrade of the current engine, €50 for the chassis upgrade kit (with the technical passport included). Updating a current LMP000 will cost €3. A new LMP54 cannot be sold at a price higher than €900.

The new LMP3s will be eligible next year in ELMS, Michelin Le Mans Cup, Road to Le Mans, Ultimate Cup and VdeV, then in the Asian Le Mans Series from the 2020-2021 season.