In the WEC, the cars compete against each other in four vehicle classes. While so-called hypercars are used in the LMH class, prototype vehicles specially developed for Le Mans are used in the LMP2 class. Near-production sports cars are used in the LMGTE-Am categorie. The following overview provides all the key data on the vehicles used.
LMH
Special features
- In the LMH class, road and prototype-based hypercars with closed roofs are permitted.
- All vehicles can have an optional hybrid drive with ERS (energy recovery system).
- The cars used must be available (in limited numbers) as a road version.
Minimum weight
- At least 1030 kg (without fuel and driver)
Fuel capacity
- Petrol with 15% content from biological origins is used
- Only the fuel of the series partner may be used
Engine restrictions
The engine can be freely selected for all LMH vehicles, but must fulfil the following conditions:
- The total amount of energy (combustion engine + electric motor) must not exceed 500 kW
- The electric motor must not contribute more than 200 kW on the front axle
- The electric engine can only be used when the car is driving at more than 120 km/h
Car length: Maximum 5000 mm including rear wing
Car width: Minimum of 2000 mm
Car height: Maximum 1150 mm with the exception of the antennas
Wheelbase: Maximum 3150 mm
Number panel: All vehicles must have a red number plate with white lettering (Panton colour “red 485”) on the vehicle to indicate the class to which they belong. The start number can be chosen freely before the start of the season, a number from 1 – 999 is permitted. The font of the start number is optional and can be individually designed as desired.
LMP2
Special features:
- All LMP2 cars must have been built by one of the four certified chassis manufacturers.
- All teams must use the spec Gibson engine.
- Only closed-cockpit cars are permitted in the LMP2 class.
- All teams must be independent and may not engage in partnerships or receive support from automotive manufacturers and engine constructors.
- Only cars homologated on or after 1 January 2017 are permitted.
Minimum weight: 930 kg
Fuel capacity: 75 litres
Engine restrictions: Since the 2017 season, all LMP2 competitors must use the spec engine provided for the LMP2 class. Other engines and power units may not be used.
Car length: Maximum of 4750 mm, including rear wing
Car width: Minimum of 1900 mm
Car height: Maximum of 1050 mm, including tyres and antenna
Wheelbase: The wheelbase can be freely selected but is fixed for the season with the vehicle’s homologation and may not be changed subsequently.
Number panel: All vehicles must have a blue number plate with white lettering (Panton colour “blue 653”) on the vehicle to indicate the class to which they belong. The start number can be chosen freely before the start of the season, a number from 1 – 999 is permitted. The font of the start number is optional and can be individually designed as desired.
LMGTE-Am
Special features:
- Each team may only enter two cars.
- The car must have raced in LMGTE Pro for at least one year.
- Only GTE vehicles homologated on or after 1 January 2016 may be entered.
Minimum weight: 1,245 kg (excluding driver and fuel)
Fuel capacity: 90 litres
Engine restrictions:
- Normally aspirated engine: Maximum cubic capacity of 5,500 cm³
- Turbo engine: Maximum cubic capacity of 4,000 cm³
Car width: Maximum of 2,050 mm (not including wing mirrors)
Car length: Maximum of 4,800 mm
Driver restrictions:
- A minimum of two drivers are required in LMGTE Am but no more than three are permitted per car.
- Each team must have at least one bronze- and one bronze- or silver-rated driver.
Number panel: All vehicles must have an orange number plate with white lettering (Panton colour “orange 021C”) on the vehicle to indicate the class to which they belong. The start number can be chosen freely before the start of the season, a number from 1 – 999 is permitted. The font of the start number is optional and can be individually designed as desired.