After the disappointing performance of the futuristic 9X8 "Spec 1", which we analyzed in a previous article, Peugeot decided to make a change to its project, presenting the new evolution of its LMH for the World Endurance Championship.
"Pinched" by cameras for the first time in a private test in December and officially presented on March 25, the new - because yes, in fact it’s new - Hypercar has made clear the desire to return to more "traditional" approaches, while maintaining its innovative DNA, to aim for victory. But above all, to ensure that all the problems suffered with the "Spec 1" are just a distant memory.
Waiting to see her on track for the first time in an official session at the 6 hours of Imola, let’s explore the aspects on which Peugeot has focused its efforts.
Aerodynamic revolution
Particular attention must be given to the aerodynamics, the beating heart of the whole package.
The lion’s house has in fact decided to abandon the philosophy of "We didn’t want a rear wing", which has proved to be effective only on certain tracks - Qatar, Le Mans and Monza, a selection too limited to compete seriously for the championship.
This has led to an interesting "fusion" between the previous concept, which aimed to generate downforce only through the rear, and the "traditional", which involves the presence of the rear wing.
The latter proved to be much more reliable and stable than the first, although at the presentation of the first 9X8 the French technicians were convinced that there would be no difference and that the removal of the wing had been "forced" to comply with regulatory requirements.
Well, it soon turned out that this was not the case: although the car was easy to drive and set, it had serious deficiencies in slow curves and traction, suggesting that the load produced was not sufficiently stable during the lap, especially in slow parts.
Hence the decision to combine the two concepts: maintaining the same chassis and a floor capable of generating a significant load, the introduction of the new rear wing helps to stabilize the car on the rear.
This merger required a massive redesign, as confirmed by technical director Olivier Jansonnie, who said that 90% of the body was redefined.
Traction optimization
Another significant step forward was made with the switch to wider tyres on the rear axle.
It should be remembered that Peugeot had decided to homologate the first version of the 9X8 with 4 tires 31 cm wide, thus maintaining a more shifted balance on the front. This choice, among other things, had contributed to the decision to eliminate the rear wing on the first 9X8: "Shifting the weight balance and aerodynamics to the front, there was really no need for a rear wing," explains Jansonnie.
However, the regulatory performance convergence between LMH and LMDh favoured the opposite approach, allowing wider tyres to be fitted to the rear axle.
With this change, Peugeot aims to achieve better power management in the output curve and consequently better traction, impacting even less on the rear tyres.
Technical advances
But the innovations do not stop there: the technicians from across the Alps have also worked hard on other fundamental parts of the car. The two most accurate aspects are certainly the complete weights redistribution, to improve the aero-mechanical balance and consequently also the management of the tires, and engine changes aimed at solving some reliability problems.
All the changes were made hoping to be less "dependent" on BoP, like last year: "We made decisions that were no longer the right ones, and this difference in performance was not sufficiently compensated by the Balance of Performance in 2023," Jansonnie told motorsport.it.
9X8 Evo, track has the final word
Now is the moment of truth: on April 20th , at the 6 hours of Imola, insiders and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to assess whether the 9X8 "Evo" has really exceeded the limits of the "Spec 1" and approached rivals.
The hope of all is that this new step forward represents a return to the highest levels for the house across the Alps in the WEC, after a long period of absence.
The road is still long, but Peugeot’s enthusiasm and determination are stronger than ever.
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