Sim racers have three Le Mans Ultimate classes to choose from when firing up the official WEC game. Here’s what each class is all about.
Seasoned WEC veterans will know the ins and outs of the World Championship’s classes, but many sim racers are only getting started with the series and its intricacies. That also means that they may not necessarily know the differences and particularities of the three Le Mans Ultimate classes.
On the surface, it is relatively easy to rank them. At the top, you have the Hypercar class – high-tech prototypes created by some of the world’s greates car manufacturers. Beneath that, there is the one-car LMP2 class – also a prototype class, but simpler and tamer than the Hypercar class. Rounding out the field is the GTE class, which sports production-car based vehicles similar to those in GT3 – but not quite the same.
The Hypercar grid in Le Mans Ultimate. Image credit: Studio 397
As Le Mans Ultimate portrays the 2023 WEC season, it features all seven manufacturers of that year. The Hypercar fields a mix of cars built to LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) and LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) regulations. While the former allows more technical freedom for manufactuers to build everything from scratch, the latter uses spec chassis and components like transmission and the hybrid system. Manufacturers build the rest, which is more cost-efficient but also more restrictive.
Both LMH and LMDh cars are also eligible to run in IMSA, where the top class is called GTP. Future seasons may see more crossover, such as the BMW M Hybrid V8, which exclusively competed in IMSA in 2023, but will make its WEC debut in 2024.
Due to Balance of Performance being applied, any advantages an LMH car may have over an LMDh machine are ideally eliminated. As a result, the LMDh entries are usually able to compete with the LMH cars without problem. As you can see from the list, vastly different engine concepts are at work in the Hypercar class.
Hence, an equalizing element is required. The Virtual Energy Tank is just that – you may have noticed the meter reading ‘NRG’ in your HUD. Effectively, this is what limits your stint length instead of the amount of fuel you carry. Should you carry on racing despite the NRG meter hitting 0%, you will receive a penalty. This also means that you likely will not be able to use up a full tank of fuel over the course of a single stint – but it could result in shorter refueling times at your next pit stop.
The Oreca 07 is the sole car of the LMP2 class.
The Oreca 07 is a relatively straight-forward racing car. Just like the Hypercars, Traction Control is its only driver aid. Compared to the faster class, it even only features two engine mappings (Race and Safety Car) to switch between. Getting used to an LMP2 is much easier than trying to feel at home in a Hypercar, but it will serve as an excellent basis for the latter.
Based on production sports cars, GTE machinery looks less exotic than the prototypes. As the GTE class as a whole is replaced by GT3 from 2024 onwards, only four models of GTE remained in the 2023 WEC season. Despite also being aimed at gentleman drivers, GTE cars only feature Traction Control as a driver aid, just like the other two Le Mans Ultimate classes.
Being a successor to the GT2 category, GTE cars were quite popular with fans. This did not prevent the class from being made obsolete at the end of 2023, with a popular final GTE class win in WEC going to the Iron Dames squad of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting at the 8 Hours of Bahrain season finale.
Meanwhile, the LMP2 class will still be present in the 2024 WEC season, but only at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At all other rounds, only Hypercars and GT3 will have to figure out how to get along in traffic – at La Sarthe, the “in-between” class will also be in the mix to spice things up.
Of course, new Hypercars will also appear on the grid. We already mentioned the BMW M Hybrid V8, which will be joined by the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6-C, Alpine A424 and Lamborghini SC63. Meanwhile, the Peugeot 9X8 will sport a different look than in 2023, as Peugeot Sport is going to ditch the rear-wing-less aero concept for a more traditional solution from round 2 onwards. Both Glickenhaus and Vanwall are not going to field entries in the 2024 WEC season.
For now, we still get to enjoy the 9X8 in all its unconventional beauty.
What is your favorite class to race in Le Mans Ultimate? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
Seasoned WEC veterans will know the ins and outs of the World Championship’s classes, but many sim racers are only getting started with the series and its intricacies. That also means that they may not necessarily know the differences and particularities of the three Le Mans Ultimate classes.
On the surface, it is relatively easy to rank them. At the top, you have the Hypercar class – high-tech prototypes created by some of the world’s greates car manufacturers. Beneath that, there is the one-car LMP2 class – also a prototype class, but simpler and tamer than the Hypercar class. Rounding out the field is the GTE class, which sports production-car based vehicles similar to those in GT3 – but not quite the same.
Hypercar (HY)
The top rung of the ladder, the pinnacle of endurance racing cars, the class battling for overall wins. Hypercars are the fastest vehicles on track in WEC, sporting hybrid systems, loads of downforce and some of the coolest-looking bodywork you can find on modern race cars (subject to personal opinion, of course).The Hypercar grid in Le Mans Ultimate. Image credit: Studio 397
As Le Mans Ultimate portrays the 2023 WEC season, it features all seven manufacturers of that year. The Hypercar fields a mix of cars built to LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) and LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) regulations. While the former allows more technical freedom for manufactuers to build everything from scratch, the latter uses spec chassis and components like transmission and the hybrid system. Manufacturers build the rest, which is more cost-efficient but also more restrictive.
Le Mans Ultimate Classes: Hypercar List
LMH
- Ferrari 499P
- Engine: Ferrari twin-turbo V6 (3.0 L)
- Glickenhaus SCG 007 LMH
- Engine: Glickenhaus (Pipo Moteurs) turbo V8 (3.5 L)
- No hybrid system
- Peugeot 9X8
- Engine: Peugeot twin-turbo V6 (2.6 L)
- Toyota GR010 Hybrid
- Engine: Toyota twin-turbo V6 (3.5 L)
- Vanwall Vandervell 680
- Gibson V8 (4.5 l)
- No hybrid system
LMDh
- Cadillac V-Series.R
- Cadillac V8 (5.5 l)
- Porsche 963
- Porsche twin-turbo V8 (4.6 L)
Both LMH and LMDh cars are also eligible to run in IMSA, where the top class is called GTP. Future seasons may see more crossover, such as the BMW M Hybrid V8, which exclusively competed in IMSA in 2023, but will make its WEC debut in 2024.
Due to Balance of Performance being applied, any advantages an LMH car may have over an LMDh machine are ideally eliminated. As a result, the LMDh entries are usually able to compete with the LMH cars without problem. As you can see from the list, vastly different engine concepts are at work in the Hypercar class.
Hence, an equalizing element is required. The Virtual Energy Tank is just that – you may have noticed the meter reading ‘NRG’ in your HUD. Effectively, this is what limits your stint length instead of the amount of fuel you carry. Should you carry on racing despite the NRG meter hitting 0%, you will receive a penalty. This also means that you likely will not be able to use up a full tank of fuel over the course of a single stint – but it could result in shorter refueling times at your next pit stop.
The Oreca 07 is the sole car of the LMP2 class.
Le Mans Ultimate Classes: LMP2
Originally featuring four different chassis, LMP2 has been using the Oreca 07 and spec bodywork in WEC in 2023. The class actually had to be slowed down when the Hypercar class was introduced so the separation between the classes would be big enough. As a result, its 4.2-liter V8 engine was detuned, with the weight of the car being raised as well.The Oreca 07 is a relatively straight-forward racing car. Just like the Hypercars, Traction Control is its only driver aid. Compared to the faster class, it even only features two engine mappings (Race and Safety Car) to switch between. Getting used to an LMP2 is much easier than trying to feel at home in a Hypercar, but it will serve as an excellent basis for the latter.
LMGTE Am (GTE)
As the name implies, there used to be an LMGTE Pro class in WEC, which was discontinued after the 2022 season. Using the same cars as the LMGTE Am (as in amateur) class, the Pro class allowed for works entries. The Am class has driver rules in place, requiring them to have at least one Bronze and Silver ranking pilot each.Based on production sports cars, GTE machinery looks less exotic than the prototypes. As the GTE class as a whole is replaced by GT3 from 2024 onwards, only four models of GTE remained in the 2023 WEC season. Despite also being aimed at gentleman drivers, GTE cars only feature Traction Control as a driver aid, just like the other two Le Mans Ultimate classes.
LMGTE Am Car List
- Aston Martin Vantage GTE
- Engine: Mercedes-AMG turbo V8 (4.0 L)
- Note: only front-engined car in LMU
- Chevrolet Corvette C8.R
- Engine: Chevrolet V8 (5.5 L)
- Ferrari 488 GTE
- Engine: Ferrari Turbo V8 (4.0 L)
- Porsche 911 RSR-19
- Engine: Porsche Flat-6 (4.2 L)
Being a successor to the GT2 category, GTE cars were quite popular with fans. This did not prevent the class from being made obsolete at the end of 2023, with a popular final GTE class win in WEC going to the Iron Dames squad of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting at the 8 Hours of Bahrain season finale.
Le Mans Ultimate Classes: What To Expect In 2024
The class structure in LMU will likely see a fourth category added alongside 2024 season content at some point. As stated above, the GT3 class replaces GTE, which would add a fresh batch of vehicles to Le Mans Ultimate. At the time of writing, the following nine GT3 vehicles are on the entry list:- Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo
- BMW M4 GT3
- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R
- Ferrari 296 GT3
- Ford Mustang GT3
- Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo 2
- Lexus RC F GT3
- McLaren 720S GT3 Evo
- Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
Meanwhile, the LMP2 class will still be present in the 2024 WEC season, but only at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At all other rounds, only Hypercars and GT3 will have to figure out how to get along in traffic – at La Sarthe, the “in-between” class will also be in the mix to spice things up.
Of course, new Hypercars will also appear on the grid. We already mentioned the BMW M Hybrid V8, which will be joined by the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6-C, Alpine A424 and Lamborghini SC63. Meanwhile, the Peugeot 9X8 will sport a different look than in 2023, as Peugeot Sport is going to ditch the rear-wing-less aero concept for a more traditional solution from round 2 onwards. Both Glickenhaus and Vanwall are not going to field entries in the 2024 WEC season.
For now, we still get to enjoy the 9X8 in all its unconventional beauty.
What is your favorite class to race in Le Mans Ultimate? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
