As promised, Cadillac presented its Project GTP Hypercar, the LMDh prototype which from 2023 will compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
In Le Mans, where the 90th edition of the 24 Hours will take place tomorrow, the leaders of the US manufacturer were able to meet the magazines present, including Motorsport.com.
The occasion was a tempting one to understand more about this ambitious program that will debut on the track in the summer with the first development tests, in order to be ready for the great races such as Le Mans, in fact, and Daytona.
Cadillac LMDh prototype
Photo by: Cadillac Communications
“Essentially, this new vehicle is proportionally very different from the DPi, everything has changed in proportion to the car so that it can be competitive on the big circuits,” explains Chris Mikalauskas, Cadillac’s head of design.
“Aerodynamics is a difficult terrain to get into. The dimensions and spaces of the car have changed, we need to have a different approach in dealing with problems from an aerodynamic point of view.”
“I think in this sense we reacted according to the new scenario in which we will compete, but as a design in my opinion the appearance is better because the car is wider and lower”.
After the work on the computer and on the drawing boards, now we get serious and it’s time to go to the circuit to cover the first km.
“The prototype has yet to undergo tests on the track, for now it has made several aerodynamic and simulated ones, I believe that most of the components will remain very similar to what you see in the images”.
“But it’s also true that once on the track the drivers have needs, so the priority is to satisfy them if they feel they need to change something, obviously making all the necessary assessments.”
“It is nice to be able to share this information involving everyone. It is also exciting to be able to share the behind the scenes of a program like this, instead of directly showing you the final result. Let’s see where we will go with the tests.”
Cadillac LMDh prototype
Photo by: Cadillac Communications
Laura Wontrop Klauser, Director of Sports Programs at General Motors, then outlined the scenarios that will see the Cadillac LMDh competing.
“For now I can say that we will definitely enter a car in the FIA WEC, but I cannot expose myself on the expectations. We have a huge mountain to climb, we know that and we are bringing together all the best people in order to do our best.”
“It is obvious that the expectation is to win, but we know we have to prepare well. I have a lot of respect for the teams that race with us, Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing, and all the people involved in this program. The way we work. together is what will lead us to success. We have six months to test after test and understand how it all works. “
As mentioned above, the car has yet to be fully built; once this operation is complete, they will be able to check out all the news, starting with the hybrid system combined with the 5.5-liter V8 engine.
“For now we have been in a phase of internal tests, on the dynamometer, bench and laboratory for several months. We therefore hope to get on track this summer, but everyone has worked well and those who have the LMDh also share the hybrid system; collaboration between the insiders and it is in everyone’s interest to contribute to the development and make sure it is perfect, and therefore the data collected by Porsche has been shared with us, ours has been shared with them and with those who have the LMDh “.
“From here we start with the work on your car, it is an opportunity to contribute and be much more efficient with testing and development, also because the hybrid is new to us in the racing world. The good news is that for the the rest of the systems, engine and bodywork are in the hands of people who have been working on them for a long time. “
“As GM we rely on them, as well as on Dallara. It is about integrating the whole system, for us it is the main concern making sure that everything works well, especially combining the engine with the hybrid system.”
Cadillac LMDh prototype
Photo by: Cadillac Communications
During the presentation phase, the Cadillac showed the # 2 on the side reminiscent of the one nicknamed ‘Le Monstre’ which took part in the 1950 Le Mans 24h. Klauser smiles talking about this tribute and hopes that the Project GTP Hypercar will also repeat the glorious deeds of the prototypes that preceded it.
“The nickname ‘Le Monstre’ was given to us by the wonderful French people in 1950; I believe some of the best nicknames are those given to you by the fans. We will therefore let them decide which one of our LMDh when they see it for the first time. time in person next year “.
“To win at the absolute level? This is an opportunity to push the world to become passionate about sports cars again. We are preparing, but if you look at the variety of cars and designs that we will have in the category, it can be said that all will attract attention. “.
“The good news is that by competing in IMSA we will attract attention at home in the United States, and by competing globally in the WEC we will attract attention from all over the world. Golden opportunity to showcase the Cadillac brand as well.” .
Cadillac LMDh prototype
Photo by: Cadillac Communications
The meeting was closed by Rory Harvey, vice president of Cadillac, who highlighted the importance of the company to participate in both of the most important endurance championships in the world.
“I think the IMSA championship is extremely important to us. If you look at iconic circuits or races around the world, it’s not just Le Mans. It’s great to be back, of course, but there’s also the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring on the list, so at least three historic events, “explains Harvey.
“This gives us the opportunity to participate in the FIA WEC and return to Le Mans, but also to continue working in the series in which we have been hugely successful. We have a very good relationship with IMSA and there are certainly some great races in the series. United States”.
“It’s a different platform where you can show what Cadillac can do.”
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