[Auto] Cadillac Returning to Le Mans in 2023 With Tailfinned Project GTP Hypercar

[Wassim MH]

 

A brand-new DOHC 5.5-liter V-8 engine, coupled with a mild hybrid system common to all the field's cars, will power the similarly new Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar that will debut in January at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona, and run in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Cars from Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express will continue to field the cars in the U.S. in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where they will be called GTPs, while an unnamed team will field one Cadillac in the World Endurance Championship, where they will be called Hypercars. Rules are the same, though, and wherever Hypercars are racing the GTPs will be welcome, including at Le Mans.

 

 

This is the third generation Prototype race car from the U.S.-based luxury brand of General Motors. Others building a new Hypercar/GTP include Porsche, BMW, Acura, Toyota, Lamborghini (2024) and Alpine, a division of Renault.

Cadillac revealed the car today, and it's a gorgeous design, full of delicate touches and LED lighting that may or may not make it to the actual competition car. The taillights, in particular, recall a certain 1950s-era flourish that, while common to many American cars at the time was perfected and maximized by Cadillac. Face it: They look like tailfins—and there's even a third tailfin standing vertically in the center, at the peak of the car's dorsal fin. The '50s, you'll recall, are when the first Cadillacs raced at Le Mans.

"Cadillac will be competing again on the world racing stage, and we are all thrilled to return to Le Mans after 22 years," said Rory Harvey, Vice President Global Cadillac. "By competing in both the 2023 IMSA and WEC championships, Cadillac Racing has the opportunity to demonstrate its capability, craftsmanship and technology."

Co-developed by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and Dallara, the Project GTP Hypercar incorporates key brand design characteristics. Elements of the brand's heritage such as vertical lighting and floating blades are present throughout and connect the Project GTP Hypercar to the future of Cadillac, including the upcoming Lyriq and Celestiq EVs.

 

 

"The Project GTP Hypercar is a unique convergence of form and function and showcases Cadillac's future performance aesthetic," said Chris Mikalauskas, lead exterior creative designer, Cadillac. "We have plenty more to come, from the upcoming race car to amazing production vehicles."

Since 2017, Cadillac has been competing at the forefront of American sports car racing in the IMSA manufacturers championship achieving numerous wins, podiums and championships in the Cadillac DPi-V.R. "Competing for the overall win at Le Mans with an iconic American brand like Cadillac is an honor," said Laura Wontrop Klauser, GM sports car racing program manager. "The entire team is excited to continue building Cadillac's racing legacy by competing against the very best internationally and in the world's toughest race."

The race car will begin on-track testing this summer.

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