Less than a year on from the presentation that publicly launched the concept behind the Peugeot 9X8, the French automaker is now ready to race it. The four-wheel drive, hybrid-electric hypercar will be making its competitive debut in July at Round 4 of the 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) in Monza, Italy.
The Peugeot 9X8 immediately catches the eye due to the absence of a rear wing. It also embodies the carmaker’s newest design language with its cat-like stance, sleek silhouette, and of course, the familiar three-claw lighting signature.
Many speculated that the lack of a rear wing would be unworkable in reality. However, on-track tests since December have proven that the concept works. Since then, more than 10,000 kilometers have been clocked up by the Peugeot 9X8 over the course of 25 test days. In parallel, the car’s homologation was administered in conjunction with the FIA, focusing on the development of the powertrain on the test bench, simulator, and race track.
The four-wheel drive racing prototype will carry a 2.6-liter bi-turbo V6 generating 707 horsepower driving the rear wheels. Meanwhile, high-performance 272 horsepower electric motors drive the front wheels.
Peugeot seeks to use the 9X8 to show off their expertise in the field of hybridization and electrification—both key elements to the brand’s energy transition strategy.
Although the 9X8 won’t appear at Le Mans in 2022, Peugeot will contest the centenary edition of the endurance race where it will take on a number of competitors either in the Le Mans Hybrid (LMH) or Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMdH) class.
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