After a 20-year absence, the Cadillac brand of General Motors Co. in Detroit is returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 with its new Project GTP Hypercar, which it revealed this week.
The Project GTP Hypercar previews the third-generation prototype race car that will contest the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
“Cadillac will be competing again on the world racing stage, and we are all thrilled to return to Le Mans after 20 years,” says Rory Harvey, vice president of Global Cadillac. “By competing in both the 2023 IMSA and WEC championships, Cadillac Racing has the opportunity to demonstrate its capability, craftsmanship, and technology.”
Co-developed by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing, and race car manufacturer Dallara, the Project GTP Hypercar incorporates key brand design characteristics, according to Cadillac. Elements of the brand’s heritage such as vertical lighting and floating blades are present throughout and connect the Project GTP Hypercar to the future of Cadillac.
“The Project GTP Hypercar is a unique convergence of form and function and showcases Cadillac’s future performance aesthetic,” says Chris Mikalauskas, lead exterior creative designer for Cadillac. “We have plenty more to come, from the upcoming race car to amazing production vehicles.”
Since 2017, Cadillac has been competing at the forefront of American sports car racing in the IMSA manufacturers championship achieving numerous wins, podiums, and championships in the Cadillac DPi-V.R.
“Competing for the overall win at Le Mans with an iconic American brand like Cadillac is an honor,” says Laura Wontrop Klauser, sports car racing program manager at GM. “The entire team is excited to continue building Cadillac’s racing legacy by competing against the very best internationally and in the world’s toughest race.”
The new race car will be powered by an all-new 5.5L DOHC V-8 that will be paired to the LMDh common hybrid system.
Cadillac says its commitment to performance is embodied in the V-Series portfolio. Its recent expansion includes the CT4-V and CT5-V sport sedans, Escalade-V as well as the track-capable CT4-V Blackwing1 and CT5-V Blackwing1.
The race car will begin on-track testing this summer and first race at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2023.
