Isotta Fraschini Presents Michelotto-Built Hybrid LMH Car

Classic Italian carmaker Isotta Fraschini has presented a hybrid-powered LMH car built by Michelotto that it plans to enter into next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Milan-based company, which was founded in 1900 and famed for building early racing and luxury cars, plans to unveil the car in February before entering the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship season at Spa-Francorchamps in late April.

The four-wheel-drive prototype will be powered by a 3-liter turbocharged V6 engine connected to a front-axle electric motor. The hybrid system is completed by a 900-volt lithium-ion battery.

According to Isotta Fraschini, the in-house developed engine has a maximum output of 520 kW (around 700 horsepower).

Other technical features include a seven-speed transverse sequential gearbox, a carbon fiber chassis and a brake-by-wire system.

Isotta Fraschini plans to use Michelin’s 12.5-inch LMH tires on the front and 14-inch tires on the rear.

The car has been developed using Williams Advanced Engineering’s aerodynamic facilities in the U.K. and will be built at Michelotto in Padua, which is best known for its assembly work on Ferrari’s sports car racing models.

Michelotto is the build partner for the Ferrari 488 motorsport range but that role has transferred to French company ORECA for the upcoming Ferrari 296 GT3.

Isotta Fraschini plans to launch a road-going version of its LMH car, with the company stating: “From the racing Hypercar will be derived customer cars for use on the track and versions with license plates.”

Its entry into Le Mans is subject to approval from the event selection committee.

If granted a place on the grid, Isotta Fraschini will go up against automotive giants Toyota, Ferrari, Peugeot, Cadillac and Porsche in the battle for overall honors.

“For its return to the great international scene there can be no more difficult challenge, and Isotta Fraschini will not shy away from this confrontation,” the company said.

Isotta Fraschini cars regularly competed in early 20th-century motor races, including the Coppa Florio which the manufacturer won in 1907.

The present company’s current work aside from its LMH venture includes producing engines and generators for maritime and industrial applications.