Peugeot reveals its 2011 Le Mans challenger

Peugeot has officially unveiled the new Le Mans challenger with which the brand will be participating at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours race and Le Mans Series. The 908 was shown to the public on the presentation of the brand’s motorsport programme for 2011 in Paris. The new challenger will be powered by a 3.7-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine.

Peugeot has been considering for a while the use of hybrid technology in its Le Mans challengers but the brand has opted in 2011 to keep faithful on its successful diesel technology.

"We have also made full of our experience with the V12," said Peugeot Sport's technical director Bruno Famin. "We ultimately decided to opt for a turbocharged diesel V8, the characteristics of which are very similar to those of the V12 (which powered the old car).”

With a 3.7l displacement the new V8 HDi FAP delivers a total output of 550hp, a power that has been felt for the first time on the dyno on January 25, 2010.

"Given the big reduction in engine power resulting from the 2011 regulations (a fall of approximately 150hp), we had to take a fresh look at the trade-off between aerodynamics, drag and downforce. The latter has been significantly reduced in order to maintain a reasonably high top speed," explained Famin.

The 908 continues to bear a closed top and received his name from its successful ancestor the 908 Hdi FAP.

"We knew from previous testing work that there is little significant difference between open- and closed-cockpit cars in terms of their aerodynamic performance," said Famin. "At the same time, despite the added constraints they bring when working on them at races, closed-cockpit cars provide additional safety for the drivers. We therefore decided to stay with the same solution.”

The Peugeot 908 will be fitted with rear-width sized 14.5in front tyres, with the French brand opting for the same strategy as Audi has done with its R18.