Multimatic Confirmed as LMDh Supplier for Porsche, Audi

Multimatic has been confirmed as the chassis supplier for both the Porsche and Audi LMDh programs that are due to make their competition debuts in 2023.

As previously reported by Sportscar365, Porsche has selected Multimatic to provide an LMP2 chassis on which the German manufacturer will develop a car for its return to top-level prototype racing, integrating an engine of choice and brand-specific bodywork.

Porsche announced its news on Tuesday and also confirmed that Multimatic will supply the Audi LMDh program, although Audi has not yet made its own announcement.

Volkswagen Group brands Porsche and Audi are collaborating on the development of their spec-hybrid prototypes that will be eligible to compete for overall victories in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

It was widely believed that this collaboration would include a mutual base chassis.

LMDh manufacturers have a choice of four LMP2 chassis suppliers. The other licensed companies are ORECA, Ligier Automotive and Dallara.

Multimatic has installed suspension components in the record-breaking Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo de-restricted LMP1 and the Porsche 911 RSR GTE. It also supplies shock absorbers to the new 992-based Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.

Additionally, the Toronto-headquartered engineering group is the current chassis provider for the Mazda RT-24P DPi program in IMSA, which it also runs as a race team.

Porsche’s LMDh project has now taken further shape following the recent announcement that Team Penske will be running its factory team program in IMSA and the WEC.

“Multimatic is the most obvious and logical solution for us,” said Fritz Enzinger, Porsche Motorsport Vice President.

“We have known this highly respected company and its team of experienced professionals for many years and are absolutely convinced of the quality of their work.

“We don’t have to set up a completely new business relationship with them, but can hit the ground running.

“That’s vital and is exactly what is needed when developing a new racing car.

“It is imperative that we eliminate friction losses to ensure that we are able to do a perfect job and deliver what is needed fast.

“There’s another factor of inestimable benefit. One part of Multimatic, like our team partner Penske, is based in Mooresville in North Carolina.

“Short distances and direct lines of communication will be of tremendous help in the development of the future LMDh prototype and in competition.”

Larry Holt, Executive Vice President of Multimatic’s Special Vehicle Operations division, commented that the company is going “all-in” with its commitment to LMDh.

“This partnership with Porsche Motorsport is the culmination of thirty years of building our expertise in the area of competition vehicle engineering and development,” he said.

“It is a privilege to be chosen by Porsche for their next chapter in global hybrid prototype competition.

“The LMDh concept, and rules convergence between the FIA WEC and IMSA championships is unprecedented, and Multimatic’s commitment to the new model is all-in.

“The collaboration has already proven to be seamless and the enthusiasm of the team is palpable in every meeting.

“I am equally delighted with the recent Porsche Penske Motorsport announcement as we have enjoyed a long relationship with Roger Penske and his organization, as both collaborator and competitor.

“I can think of no better team, than our North Carolina neighbor, to campaign the new cars.”