Imagine a car that can go faster than a Formula One car, look more stunning than a supercar, and be more efficient than a hybrid. That’s the vision behind Hypercar, a new category of racing and road cars that aims to push the boundaries of performance, design, and technology. Here’s how Hypercar is revolutionizing the world of racing and beyond.
What Is Hypercar?
Hypercar is a term that refers to a high-performance car
that exceeds the capabilities of a conventional supercar. There is no official
definition or criteria for what makes a car a hypercar, but some common
characteristics include:
Extreme speed and acceleration, often reaching over 200 mph
(320 km/h) and 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in less than 3 seconds.
Cutting-edge design and aerodynamics, often inspired by
concept cars or prototypes.
Advanced technology and innovation, often featuring hybrid
or electric powertrains, active suspension, regenerative braking, and driver
assistance systems.
Hypercar is also the name of a new racing category that was
introduced in 2021 by the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the
Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). The Hypercar class replaces the previous Le
Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) class as the top category of endurance racing, and
features cars that are based on hypercars or have a hypercar-like appearance.
The Hypercar class aims to reduce the costs and increase the competitiveness of
endurance racing, while also attracting more manufacturers and fans.
How Is Hypercar Changing Racing?
The Hypercar class is changing racing in several ways.
First, it allows more freedom and diversity in the design and development of
the cars, as long as they meet certain performance and safety criteria. This
means that manufacturers can showcase their own vision and identity through
their cars, rather than following a strict set of rules and specifications.
Second, it creates a closer link between racing and road
cars, as some of the Hypercar entries are derived from or related to existing
or upcoming hypercars. This means that fans can see their dream cars in action
on the track, and also expect to see some of the technology and innovation from
racing trickle down to road cars.
Third, it enhances the spectacle and excitement of racing,
as the Hypercar cars are faster, louder, and more visually appealing than the
previous LMP1 cars. The Hypercar cars also have to balance performance and
efficiency, as they have to comply with a fuel flow limit and a minimum weight
limit. This means that drivers have to manage their pace and strategy
throughout the race, adding more drama and unpredictability.
Who Is Involved in Hypercar?
The Hypercar class has attracted several manufacturers and
teams from different backgrounds and regions. Some of the main players include:
Toyota Gazoo Racing: The Japanese manufacturer is the
defending champion of the WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, having won both
titles in 2019 and 2020 with its LMP1 hybrid car. Toyota is also the first
manufacturer to enter a hybrid car in the Hypercar class, with its GR010
Hybrid. The car is based on Toyota’s GR Super Sport concept car, which is
expected to become a road-going hypercar in the future.
Glickenhaus Racing: The American team is led by James
Glickenhaus, a film producer and car collector who has a passion for racing.
Glickenhaus Racing is also the first team to enter a non-hybrid car in the
Hypercar class, with its SCG 007 LMH. The car is designed by Glickenhaus
himself, along with his partner Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus (SCG), which
produces bespoke sports cars.
Alpine Elf Matmut: The French team is an offshoot of
Renault’s Alpine brand, which has a long history of racing and rallying. Alpine
Elf Matmut is also the only team to enter a grandfathered LMP1 car in the
Hypercar class, with its Alpine A480 Gibson. The car is based on the Rebellion
R13 LMP1 car that competed in previous seasons of the WEC, but has been
modified to meet the Hypercar regulations.
Peugeot Sport: The French manufacturer is set to join the
Hypercar class in 2022, after announcing its return to endurance racing in
2019. Peugeot Sport has previously won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times, most
recently in 2009 with its LMP1 diesel-hybrid car. Peugeot Sport will enter a
hybrid car in the Hypercar class, with its 9X8 LMH. The car will feature a
radical design that does not have a rear wing, but instead relies on other
aerodynamic elements for downforce.
Ferrari: The Italian manufacturer is also set to join the
Hypercar class in 2023, after announcing its comeback to endurance racing in
2021. Ferrari has previously won the 24 Hours of Le Mans nine times, most
recently in 1965 with its 250 LM. Ferrari will enter a hybrid car in the
Hypercar class, with its yet-to-be-named LMH. The car will be based on one of
Ferrari’s existing or future road-going hypercars, such as the SF90 Stradale or
the LaFerrari.
How Can You Experience Hypercar?
If you want to experience Hypercar for yourself, you have several
options. You can watch the races live or online, as the WEC and the 24 Hours of
Le Mans are broadcasted on various platforms and channels around the world. You
can also follow the news and updates on the official websites and social media
accounts of the WEC, the ACO, and the teams and manufacturers involved.
You can also visit the races in person, as some of them
allow spectators and fans to access the paddock, pit lane, and grandstands. You
can also see some of the Hypercar cars on display at various events and shows,
such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed or the Geneva Motor Show.
You can also drive some of the Hypercar cars yourself, or at
least their road-going counterparts, if you have the opportunity and the
budget. Some of the Hypercar cars are derived from or related to existing or
upcoming hypercars that are available for purchase or pre-order, such as the
Toyota GR Super Sport, the Glickenhaus SCG 007, or the Peugeot 9X8. However,
these hypercars are likely to be very expensive and limited in production, so
you might have to settle for a more affordable and accessible alternative, such
as a supercar or a sports car.
A New Era of Racing and Beyond
Hypercar is a new era of racing and beyond, that offers a
new level of performance, design, and technology for both racing and road cars.
It is a category that challenges and inspires manufacturers and teams to create
cars that are faster, more beautiful, and more innovative than ever before. It
is also a category that connects and engages fans and drivers with cars that
are more relevant, more exciting, and more attainable than ever before.
Hypercar is revolutionizing the world of racing and beyond.
A Racing Category Worth Following
Hypercar is a racing category worth following if you’re
interested in cars that are at the cutting edge of speed, style, and
innovation. It is a category that showcases the best of what the automotive
industry has to offer, and also hints at what the future of mobility might look
like. It is a category that appeals to both hardcore racing fans and casual car
enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of cars and teams to support and admire.
If you want to follow Hypercar, you can visit the WEC
website to find out more about the schedule, standings, and results of the
races. You can also check out the websites and social media accounts of the
manufacturers and teams involved, to get the latest news and updates on their
cars and drivers. You can also join online forums and communities, where you
can discuss and debate with other fans and experts about Hypercar.
Hypercar is more than just a racing category. It is a vision
of what cars can be, and what they can do. It is a celebration of speed,
beauty, and innovation. It is a revolution in racing and beyond.
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