LMP2 Class Receives Power Boost

LMP2 cars in the European Le Mans Series will benefit from a power increase of 40 horsepower this season, as well as less weight and a larger fuel tank.

Twenty one cars have been entered into the European championship’s LMP2 ranks this season, marking the first time the number of LMP2 cars in ELMS is larger than the class’ presence at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

For all events on the six-round calendar, which kicks off with the 4 Hours of Barcelona on April 14, the Gibson GK428 V8 that powers each LMP2 car will see the power output increased from 540 to 580 hp.

Additionally, the cars will be lighter by 20 kg, now weighing in at 930 kg. The size of the fuel tank will also increase from 69 to 75 liters.

The championship estimates that these changes will result in lap time gains of roughly one-second per lap compared to last year.

Formal confirmation of the revised configuration came on Friday, following a test session earlier this month at Imola with cars running in the updated specification.

The increase of performance is the result of LMP2’s removal from the FIA World Endurance Championship, meaning the cars no longer have to be balanced with the top-class Hypercars.

However, the changes only apply to the ELMS rounds and not Le Mans, where the cars will run under the same specifications as last year.

That means a minimum weight of 950 kg at the blue riband event, as well as a 35 mm air inlet restrictor and a rev limit of 8,000 rpm in first to fifth gear and 8,500 rpm in sixth gear.