Peugeot Begins Testing of Potential 9X8 Evo

Peugeot has begun testing an upgraded version of its 9X8 Hypercar ahead of its intention to introduce an Evo version of the machine in next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship.

The manufacturer has been testing a revised version of the car at Paul Ricard on Tuesday and is also due to be in action again at the French circuit on Thursday this week.

Its management confirmed at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans that it intended to introduce a fresh evolution for 2027 and remained committed to the series until at least the end of the current rules cycle in 2029, despite enduring a tough campaign.

The improvements are aimed at “enhancing performance, efficiency and competitiveness” from the 9X8, per a Peugeot statement.

However, the statement also refers to the Paul Ricard test being part of the manufacturer’s progress “towards the approval of its planned evolutions for 2027.”

There is no guarantee that Peugeot will be permitted to introduce additional Evo jokers next year as it has already used all five allocated per LMH regulations, as well as the one permitted re-homologation.

However, the manufacturer hopes to take advantage of a new clause added to this season’s WEC sporting regulations that allows extra modifications to be made to cars deemed by organizers to be at a significant performance disadvantage.

It currently sits seventh in the manufacturers’ championship standings having only scored more points than newcomer Genesis in the first half of this season.

“Since its debut, the Peugeot 9X8 has been a platform in constant evolution — competing at the highest level of endurance racing means continuously learning, adapting and progressing,” said Peugeot team principal Emmanuel Esnault.

“The intensity of competition at a world championship level reinforces our determination to keep evolving.

“Our objective is clear: to position the 9X8 consistently among the top contenders.

“As we look ahead to 2027, the team is taking the next step in its development, focused on a revised approach to performance, efficiency and design.

“This work is a key milestone in preparing the next chapter of the Peugeot 9X8 story and perpetuating the legacy of Peugeot in endurance racing.”

Just the one teaser image has so far been revealed of the updated 9×8, which offers very limited clues to the scale of the possible upgrades.