The Cadillac V-LMDh will make its competitive debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January. To build hype for the new race car, a video shows the machine looking aggressive on the track. The design is a little different from previous teasers of the competition machine (see side-by-side below).
The version that will actually run has a flatter nose by removing the angular creases of previous renders. A more prominent scoop sits on the rear portion of the roof. The taillights have a more conventional design rather than the vertical fin-shaped lamps of the previous car.
Cadillac GTP Hypercar LMDh Project
The V-LMDh uses a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 with dual overhead camshafts and the common racing-grade hybrid system. In contrast, Cadillac’s competitors opt for forced induction motors. Porsche uses a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8. BMW has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Acura uses a twin-turbocharged 2.4-liter V6 that spins at 10,000 rpm.
The Cadillac is among the first vehicles to receive homologation in the LMDh class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. To get the stamp of approval, the company had to deliver one to the series so the governing body could make sure the body met aero guidelines. The vehicle also underwent a full disassembly to ensure that all parts were as per documentation.
Cadillac began testing the V-LMDH on the track in July. Since then, the car has covered approximately 11,800 miles (19,000 kilometers) of laps. This included a 24-hour development around Sebring.
Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing will each race a Cadillac V-LMDh in the IMSA series. Ganassi will also host a second at the Daytona event.
In addition, Ganassi will also participate in a single V-LMDH in the FIA World Endurance Championship. This will include racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans where Cadillac will attempt to enter three cars into the event.
