Next-gen LMP2 cars to debut in 2029 IMSA confirms
- Marios Gantzoudis
- 17 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The brand-new LMP2 cars, set for a 2028 ACO debut, will make their maiden IMSA appearance in 2029, as the series has confirmed the regulation timeline.
A 2029 date has been set by IMSA, in regards to the new LMP2 cars' debut. As mentioned in a press release by the series, the LMP2 class will continue to use the current ORECA LMP2 07 chassis and Gibson V8 engines up until the end of 2028, with the new cars making their first appearance at the 2029 Daytona 24 Hours.
As part of an exclusive agreement between IMSA and the ACO, Ligier Automotive and ORECA have been designated as the sole approved chassis suppliers for the next LMP2 grid and they will be powered by a Gibson turbo V6, replacing the existing naturally aspirated V8 engines.
The new LMP2's will first form part of the Asian Le Mans, as well as ACO's European Le Mans series, before ''crossing the atlantic''. While the new-generation chassis is expected to retain aerodynamic principles similar to those of the current car introduced in 2017, the most significant changes will occur beneath the bodywork.
The reason for this delay, is the pursuit of continuity and protection of already existing team investments, with IMSA President John Doonan, saying:
"One of our top priorities is to provide IMSA competitors with plenty of runway to plan for the future. This announcement provides clear direction for current and prospective future LMP2 competitors on the timeline for using existing equipment, as well as the opportunity to plan for investment in new cars for the 2029 season."
Doonan also stated that LMP2 is presently experiencing sustained strength in the WeatherTech Championship, with IMSA anticipating continued stability and competitiveness as the category approaches its 2028 regulatory transition.
“The current LMP2 class has become robust in the WeatherTech Championship. We expect to see that continue through the end of the current generation in 2028 and into a strong debut for the new cars coming in 2029”, the IMSA president concluded.
In its unveiling of the next generation LMP2 cars earlier this year, the ACO noted that the “new generation reflects a strong commitment to cost control, with limited and carefully managed increases'', with accessibility to privateers being the main goal.
This news follows recent speculation that the series would delay the introduction of the new LMP2 cars in order to give the suppliers more time to prepare for the start of the new era.
