The new Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar marks the return of the French brand to endurance competitions, 10 years after its last appearance in the World Endurance (WEC).
However, a lot has changed. Diesel engines are a distant memory, the LMP1 were extinct and electrification gained prominence. Big changes — that Peugeot doesn't ignore — but that don't change the essential: the French brand's desire to return to victories.
Razão Automóvel went to France, to the facilities of Stellantis Motorsport, to get to know up close the team and the prototype that materialized that desire.
New times and the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar
In this return to competition, the French brand will line up with a profoundly distinct prototype of the Peugeot 908 HDI FAP and 908 HYbrid4 that competed in the 2011/12 seasons.
Under the aegis of the new “hypercars” regulations, which came into force this season of the WEC, the new Peugeot 9X8 was born at the premises of Stellantis Motorsport.
Unlike brands such as Porsche, Audi and Acura — which opted for the LMdH, which are more accessible and use shared platforms — Peugeot Sport followed the path of Toyota Gazoo Racing and developed an LMH from scratch. In other words, a prototype with chassis, combustion engine and electrical component fully developed by the French brand.
A decision that was very considered — due to the superior investment — but which, in the view of those responsible for Stellantis Motorsport, is fully justified. “Only with an LMH would it be possible to give this look to the Peugeot 9X8. We want to bring our prototype closer to production models. It is very important for us that the public immediately recognizes the 9X8 as a model of the brand”, told us Michaël Trouvé, responsible for the design of this prototype.
Peugeot 9X8. From competition to production
The concern with the design was not the only reason put forward by those responsible for the French brand to opt for Hypercars in the LMH category. Olivier Jansonnie, head of engineering at Stellantis Motorsport, told Razão Automóvel the importance of the 9X8 project for production models.
Olivier Jansonnie, Stellantis Motorsport Engineering DepartmentOur engineering department is not tight. Soon, many of the innovations developed for the 9X8 will be available to our customers. This is one of the main reasons we chose an LMH Hypercar.
However, it is not just the Peugeot 9X8 program that is benefiting other departments of the brand. The lessons learned in Formula E, through DS Automobiles, are also helping Peugeot to develop the 9X8. “The software we use to control the electric motor and the electric system regeneration under braking is very similar to what we use in our Formula E program,” revealed Olivier Jansonnie.
All (even all!) results in first
Later, after lifting the curtain that hid the shapes of the Peugeot 9X8, we spoke with Jean-Marc Finot, general director of Stellantis Motorsport, who accompanied us during the main moments of our visit to his «headquarters».
During our visit to Stellantis Motorsport, we got to know the simulator where the team of drivers trains and prepares the car for the 2022 season of the WEC.
We questioned this French official about the challenges of his leadership. After all, Jean-Marc Finot reports directly to Carlos Tavares, CEO of the Stellantis Group. And as we know, Carlos Tavares is a fan of motor sports.
Jean-Marc Finot, Managing Director of Stellantis MotorsportHaving a motorsport aficionado leading Stellantis didn't make the task any easier. Carlos Tavares, like the rest of the Stellantis Motorsport team, are mobilizing for results. Although we are all passionate about this sport, at the end of the day, what counts is the results: on and off the track.
From day one, the 9X8 project was always supported by the projections and the results that the team hopes to achieve. That is why, within Stellantis Motorsport, everyone was called upon to make their contribution. From the engineers involved in Formula E, to the engineers in the rally program. Jean-Marc Finot even confided in us that even the cubic capacity of the bi-turbo V6 engine that will power the 9X8 was influenced by the Citroen C3 WRC.
We opted for a 2.6 liter V6 engine because with this architecture we can take advantage of the “know-how” we have developed for the rally program. From thermal behavior to efficiency in fuel management; from reliability to engine performance.
Ready to win?
Contrary to what we might think, Peugeot did not leave for this new chapter in the WEC in "blank". Part based on Stellantis Motorsport's in-depth knowledge of various disciplines, from Formula E to the world Rally Championship, without forgetting the «know-how» of decades of involvement in endurance racing.
Although there are those who still regret the end of LMP1, the next few years look very interesting at WEC. Peugeot's return to the sport is a sign in that direction. A sign that is fortunately being replicated by other brands.