WEC Hypercar Explained: Class, Engine, Top Speed, And Other Specs

WEC for beginners

Mar 27

51 PIER GUIDI Alessandro (ita), CALADO James (gbr), GIOVINAZZI Antonio (ita), Ferrari AF Corse, Ferrari 499P #51, action during the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 KM, 1st round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, from February 29 to March 02, 2024 on the Losail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar - Photo Marius Hecker / DPPI

The Hypercar class in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has seen significant growth and evolution from its inception in 2021 to the 2024 season. For 2024, the FIA WEC will feature a record-breaking 19 Hypercars from nine different manufacturers, including Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Isotta Fraschini, Lamborghini, Peugeot, Porsche, and Toyota. This expansion represents the largest number of manufacturers competing in the history of the FIA WEC, underscoring the class's success and appeal among the world's leading automakers.

What is WEC Hypercar Class?

In 2024, the Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) is a becoming (a really) big deal. This class started in 2021 and by 2024, it has grown a lot. We're talking about a record-breaking number of 19 cars from nine different car makers racing in it. Brands like Ferrari, Toyota, and Porsche, plus new faces like BMW and Lamborghini, are all in.

What's cool about the Hypercar class?

It lets car companies get creative. They can build cars with different looks and engines, either with or without electric help (hybrid). But, all cars have to play fair – they follow rules to make sure no one car is way faster than the others. This keeps the races exciting and close.

The cars are pretty high-tech. They have a maximum power of 500 kW (that's about 670 horsepower) and must weigh at least 1030 kg. These cars are also all about being kinder to the environment, using tires from Michelin only.

WEC Hypercar Engine

Peugeot 9x8 #93, Hypercar — 93 JENSEN Mikkel (dnk), MULLER Nico (swi), VERGNE Jean-Eric (fra), Peugeot TotalEnergies, Peugeot 9x8 #93, from February 29 to March 02, 2024 on the Losail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar - Photo Julien Delfosse / DPPI

The Hypercar engines in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) are designed to push the boundaries of endurance racing. These engines can be either traditional combustion engines or hybrids that combine a combustion engine with electric power. The key rules for these engines are about making sure the racing stays competitive and fair.

All Hypercar engines have a cap on their power, set at a maximum of 500 kW, which is roughly equivalent to 670 horsepower. This limit ensures that no single car dominates the race based on engine power alone. The engines are built to be robust, as they need to last through long races, including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Manufacturers have some freedom within these rules to innovate and bring their brand's identity into the engine design. This means we get a variety of engine types and setups across the field, showcasing different approaches to achieving speed and endurance.

The inclusion of hybrid technology is particularly interesting, as it reflects the automotive industry's shift towards more sustainable and efficient vehicles. These hybrid systems not only provide an extra boost of power but also help with fuel efficiency over the long races that are characteristic of the WEC.

Is There Any Difference Between The 2024 Hypercar Engine And The Engine Of Previous Years?

Since the Hypercar class's debut in 2021, there have been several new entrants and developments in engine technology by 2024. While the core regulations around engine performance and hybridization have remained consistent, ensuring a maximum output of 500 kW for a level playing field, the diversity of manufacturers and technical solutions has expanded. Notable is the entry of manufacturers like BMW, Lamborghini, and Isotta Fraschini with their unique engines and hybrid systems, alongside returning competitors such as Toyota, Peugeot, Porsche, Ferrari, Cadillac, and Alpine, each bringing evolved or entirely new powertrains to meet the class's competitive and technological demands

WEC Hypercar Top Speed

*Isotta Fraschini Tipo6-C #11, WEC Hypercar, from February 29 to March 02, 2024 on the Losail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar - Photo Javier Jimenez / DPPI*

The top speed of WEC Hypercars from 2021 to 2024 hasn't been specified in a consistent manner across all years, mainly because it can vary based on the track layout and race conditions.

Hypercars are designed to achieve high performance while balancing endurance and efficiency, with regulations focusing on power output rather than top speed. The emphasis is on creating competitive racing through technical innovation and strategic racing rather than reaching maximum speed.

However, if you are really curious about the WEC Hypercar top speed, then you should know that the fastest Hypercar, the record holder, is the WM P88 which hit 407kph (252 mph) on 11 June 1988.

Hypercar vs. LMGT3

In addition to the growing Hypercar class, the 2024 FIA WEC season introduces a major change with the addition of the LMGT3 category, replacing the LMGTE class that had been part of the WEC grid since the series' inception in 2012.

Hypercars and LMGT3 are two different classes in endurance racing. Hypercars are the top class, featuring advanced, high-performance vehicles with cutting-edge technology. They often include hybrid systems, showcasing the latest in racing innovation. LMGT3, on the other hand, is based on GT3 cars, which are closer to production models and focus on private teams and drivers.

LMGT3 cars have less technical freedom than Hypercars, aiming for cost-effective, competitive racing. The main difference lies in the technology and performance levels, with Hypercars pushing the limits of what's possible on the track.

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