Peugeot has unveiled its 908 endurance racing car, which is to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours as well as the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC).This year's ILMC series will see seven races and new technical regulations for Le Mans itself, which rewards double points.
The Peugeot 908 is not the same Le Mans Prototype as competed in previous years, as the designation would suggest. It is a new design, which - according to Bruno Famin, Peugeot Sport's Technical Director - only shares the windscreen wiper with the old car.
The new 908 is built to meet 2011 standards and is the third endurance racing car developed by Peugeot Sport, following the 905 and the 908 HDi FAP. The new car is equipped with a 3.7-litre V8 HDi FAP 550hp diesel engine, aimed at better fuel consumption. Peugeot, however, stuck with the closed-cockpit layout, and applied a lower downforce aerodynamic kit due to the new regulations (i.e. decreased engine power by 150hp). Instead, the 908 is equipped with four same-sized wheels in a bid to enhance grip at the front of the car.
Peugeot aims to defend its ILMC title and has submitted entries for two cars for every round of the Cup, except Spa-Franchorchamps where it will compete with three cars.
The 908's biggest challenger is likely to be the equally new Audi R18 TDI.