ACO Announces Successful Bidders for Next-Gen LMP2 Chassis and Powertrain
In a significant development for the endurance racing landscape, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has finalized the successful bids for the next-generation LMP2 chassis and powertrain during its annual pre-Le Mans press conference.
After an extensive tender process initiated in March, ORECA and Ligier have been awarded contracts to supply the new chassis. This decision aims to foster a competitive marketplace, maintaining four suppliers rather than narrowing it to one. Notably, neither Multimatic nor Dallara participated in the bidding, contrary to earlier expectations, while bids from Tatuus, Lola, and Podium Engineering were ultimately not selected.
The forthcoming chassis design will feature dimensions that render them slightly longer, wider, and heavier than the current ORECA 07 models that comply with the 2017 ruleset. Pricing is projected at approximately €450,000 each, excluding spare parts.
In the realm of powertrains, Gibson Technology has successfully secured its position as the engine supplier, partnering with a consortium of other suppliers. Richard Mille, President of the FIA Endurance Commission, underscored Gibson’s proven reliability and performance, stating, “It was important for us to be consistent when it comes to the parameters of the performance and measure them efficiently. The only difference is that these engines will be turbocharged.”
The ACO has not released specific technical details regarding the new components but emphasized that the selections are designed to ensure "an excellent level of performance and reliability while controlling costs."
Moreover, the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) plans to adopt the new LMP2 regulations concurrently between 2028 and 2032, heralding a new era for the category in both European and American endurance racing.
