Ligier presents the JS P320 for the LM P3 category

Four years after its release, the Ligier JS P3 is preparing to give way to the JS P320. The new LM P3 from manufacturer Ligier Automotive successfully carried out a burn-in on the Nevers Magny-Cours circuit (Nièvre) at the end of May.

Under the hood, there is a Nissan V8, in a new and more powerful version, the VK56 version. Other improvements include new Ohlins shock absorbers and an adapted cooling system. Visually, the Ligier signature is kept with the hollow nose, even if the bodywork is 95% renewed compared to its predecessor. 

“Our objective was to optimize the development of the Ligier JS P320 within the constraints of an evolution kit and a budget envelope, says Olivier Jansonnie, responsible for the technical part of the project. We focused on the fundamental performance parameters: aerodynamic finesse, weight, cooling and damping. 

BREAKING NEWS
The Ligier JS P320, the new LM P3 designed by Ligier Automotive is ready! It hit the track last week on the @MagnyCoursTrack. It will be unveiled to the public on June 14 at @ 24hoursoflemans. Spoiler Alert https://t.co/0bAhqKvZwB #justraceit #ligierautomotive pic.twitter.com/bV6F2SF4ME

— Ligier Automotive (@LigierAutomotiv) 4th June 2019

All while respecting the constraints and freedoms imposed by the new regulations, particularly in terms of weight, the increase in engine power, the safety kit, the bi-plane spoiler and the speed limit of 290 km/ h. We carried out a lot of work on the bodywork with the help of our partners EXA in CFD and HP Composites for manufacturing. »

The Ligier JS P320 will be able to participate in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), Ultimate Cup Series, Asian Le Mans Series (Asian LMS) and Michelin Le Mans Cup in 2020. The latter competition, including a round on the Sarthe circuit to open the 24 Hours of Le Mans, entered the thinking process of engineers.

“In 2014, when we designed the Ligier JS P3, the LM P3s were not supposed to run on the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit., explains Nicolas Clemençon, head of the Ligier Automotive Design Office. For the Ligier JS P320, we took this track into account and optimized the aerodynamics of the car so that it is efficient on all circuits. »

Two options for LM P3 teams. Become the owner of a new Ligier JS P320 for 239 euros excluding tax or transform their Ligier JS P000 into a Ligier JS P3 with an upgrade kit between 320 euros excluding tax and 54 euros excluding tax. The first deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2019. Spectators at the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be able to admire the car on June 14.