Porsche previews 2023 Le Mans racer

Porsche has given a first glimpse of its new endurance racing prototype that will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023. The German manufacturer will return to top-flight endurance racing in 2023 with a new machine built to the cost-controlled LMDh regulations. 

• Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr leading development work
• Porsche working with Audi on the project

Porsche signs Cameron and Nasr

Porsche will begin an extensive test programme with the car next year, and has signed experienced racers Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr to lead the development work.

Cameron, 33, has extensive experience of racing in the US-based IMSA series, having twice won the top prototype title in 2016 and 2019. He also spent three seasons racing a Penske-run works Acura. Nasr, 29, has also won two IMSA titles driving for Action Express Racing in 2018 and this season. The Brazilian previously raced in Formula 1 for Sauber in 2015 and 2016.

The images released show zoomed-in elements of a prototype car in a camouflage livery, mostly focusing on the rear end and large rear wing. The car features a distinctive low rear brake light bar. No images of the front of the car – where Porsche has the most styling freedom – have been shown.

LMDh rules explained

Unlike the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) regulations that Toyota and Peugeot’s sports prototypes are built for, the LMDh rules are based around standard spec chassis, which manufacturers must source from one of four entrants. 

Porsche is collaborating with Volkswagen Group sibling Audi, which will also enter the LMDh class in 2023, on the project. Both cars will use chassis built by Multimatic.

While the aero specs of the cars are set, Porsche will be allowed to fit bespoke bodywork to link the machine to its road cars, and can add its own powertrain elements – although all LMDh cars must use a spec hybrid electric motor. Peak power output is capped at 680hp.

LMDh cars will be eligible for both the World Endurance Championship, which includes Le Mans, and the American IMSA Championship. Porsche will enter both, with leading US squad Team Penske running its works programme.

Porsche will face stiff competition when it returns to endurance racing in 2023: as well as Toyota and Peugeot in the LMH class, Audi, Acura, BMW and Ferrari are among the carmakers to commit to LMDh for 2023 onwards.

Which of these new entrants are you most excited to see? Tell us in the comments below.

Also see:

Audi, Porsche working jointly on Le Mans racers