Several manufacturers are pursuing the alternative LMDh prototype racing formula. Under these rules, each competitor must begin with a carbon-fiber chassis, or “spine,” supplied by one of four approved race-car constructors. For its LMDh program, Ford selected ORECA as its chassis partner.
Every LMDh manufacturer must also use the same specification gearbox, electric motor, and hybrid battery. However, each automaker develops its own internal-combustion engine, control software, and aerodynamic bodywork. Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Genesis, and Porsche have adopted this approach, while McLaren and Ford are expected to join the grid in 2027.
The Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) and LMDh regulations limit total downforce and the downforce-to-drag ratio. All cars also undergo a “balance of performance” process designed to keep the competition evenly matched.
Like Cadillac, Ford chose a naturally aspirated V8 engine for its hypercar. The 5.4-liter unit is derived from the “Coyote” V8 used in several Ford Mustang models. Ford could have used the same 5.4-liter Coyote engine found in the Mustang GT3 race car, but Christian Hertrich, Ford Racing’s chief powertrain engineer, told Road & Track that the company ultimately developed a far more specialized powerplant.
“As we got down to it, the speed we needed to drive, the expectations, and the actual level of competition led us to use a lot of proprietary architectures and components,” Hertrich explained earlier this year.
Ford Hypercar V8, or at least parts of it.
Credit: Ford
Ford has not yet released video of the prototype’s Paul Ricard test. However, a dyno test is available on YouTube for anyone curious about what the Ford Hypercar’s naturally aspirated V8 sounds like.
The Ford Hypercar began its initial shakedown test on August 5 with drivers Campbell, Mike Rockenfeller, and Tom Blomqvist. Ford said the test “went smoothly as planned.” After confirming that the complex hybrid race car’s control systems were operating correctly, Campbell—who has multiple wins with Porsche’s 963 hypercar—and Rockenfeller began a more extensive testing program on Monday. Blomqvist was expected to join them in the following days.
Source: arstechnica.com