The eyes of the prototype racing world may be set on the Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend, but this week’s announcement of an all-new, third-generation hybrid Hypercar from Cadillac has us all hyped for the great American hopeful’s 2023 track debut!
The new Project Hypercar GTP racer will compete in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the storied 24 Hours of Le Man’s endurance race at Circuit de la Sarthe.
“Cadillac will be competing again on the world racing stage, and we are all thrilled to return to Le Mans after 20 years,” said Global Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey. “By competing in both the 2023 IMSA and WEC championships, (we) have the opportunity to demonstrate its capability, craftsmanship and technology.”
I had a weird connection to that last effort 20-odd years ago, as my old friend Shane Lewis very nearly scored a drive on the Cadillac team (the way he told it, anyway). Regardless, Cadillac has always seemed to believe that endurance racing success will help it transition into new markets. Back then, it was transitioning the brand from the soft, floaty luxo-cruisers of the 1970s and 80s and into some sort of American BMW built around sports sedans like the CTS-V. Now, on the eve of the first customer deliveries of the LYRIQ electric crossover, it seems as if someone working at the company still believes.
The new car should have a good chance at bringing some glory to the Cadillac brand, too, with an “all-new” (though probably Blackwing-inspired) 5.5L DOHC V-8 paired to the LMDh common hybrid drive train and an edgy, wind-cheating body that should give it a fair chance of success.
At least fair– GM isn’t spending millions on this thing to come in second, you know? GM’s brass is making sure that message comes across, too. “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.”
It’s a full year away, sure– but I promise you this much: Cadillac racing fans will be itching for LeMans 2023!
Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar rear left three-quarter on track
Close up of 1950 #2 Le Monstre graphic
Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar front left three-quarter on track
Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar rear three-quarter view along wall
Source | Images: GM / Cadillac.
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