PEUGEOT returns to the tracks with its brand new model in the Hypercar category, the PEUGEOT 9X8. The recently unveiled PEUGEOT 9X8 is counting down the days to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24. PEUGEOT's adventure in the world's most important motor sports events, WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans, goes back to the 1990s. Entering the league of endurance with the PEUGEOT 905 for the first time in its history, PEUGEOT finds its experience in this field very valuable in terms of developing innovative technologies and testing technologies to be offered to consumers.
For more than 210 years, PEUGEOT has been leading the industry by developing and bringing to market new transportation solutions with an approach that keeps pace with the times and predicts behavioral changes in the world. The global giant brand attaches great importance to motor sports, which is an advanced testing ground, especially in order to develop innovative technologies and go beyond its own borders. PEUGEOT, which has many motor sports successes in its history, returns to the tracks with its brand new model PEUGEOT 9X8 in the Hypercar category after a short break. The recently unveiled PEUGEOT 9X8 is counting down the days to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The adventure of the PEUGEOT brand in the WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's most important motor sports organizations in terms of durability, goes back to the 1990s. For the first time as an official team, the brand appeared on the Sarthe track where Le Mans 905 Hour races were held with the PEUGEOT 24 model, and competed fiercely by participating in the WEC and Le Mans 24 Hours races with the vehicles it developed in the following years.
Endurance racing with the PEUGEOT 905
PEUGEOT initially aimed to win the legendary 905 Hours of Le Mans with the 24. In this context, the PEUGEOT Sport Prototype development program began in December 1988. Introduced in February 1990, the car was a breath of fresh air. It was innovative, had a unique and purebred look, and the front part reflected the models of the period that belonged to the brand. The PEUGEOT 905 had a carbon fiber chassis developed in collaboration with Dassault. It was equipped with a 1 HP 650-valve V40 cylinder 10-liter engine, very close to Formula 3,5 standards. Between 1990 and 1993 he gave a magnificent performance. With the 905, PEUGEOT competed with promising brands in this field such as Toyota and Mazda, as well as Porsche and Jaguar, which regularly produce cars for endurance races.
The legendary 1993 Hours of Le Mans victory in 24 and the decision to quit
1992 was a turning point for PEUGEOT, which set two important goals: to become the Constructors' World Champion and to be the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In this context, some important changes were made to the vehicle for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The front wing has been removed, the rear wing has been repositioned, and the front wing louvers have also been cancelled. The PEUGEOT team achieved great results throughout the 1992 season with its updates. So much so that the team is 2nd in Monza, 1st and 3rd in Le Mans, 1st and 2nd in Donington, 1st and 3rd in Suzuka, 1st, 2nd and 5th in Magny-Cours. it happened. This successful performance also helped the team to win the 1992 Constructors' World Championship title. As a result, the team achieved its goal. In 1993, one of the most important achievements of the PEUGEOT brand in the history of motorsport took place. The brand closed the podiums in the 905st, 24nd and 1rd places at the 2 Hours of Le Mans with three PEUGEOT 3s. This was the ultimate award for the company and its teams. Excellent PEUGEOT technology had reached its pinnacle. The brand decided to quit after this historic result.
The symbol of innovation and technical excellence returns with the PEUGEOT 9X8
After the 905 and the 2007 in 2011-908, PEUGEOT is preparing to make a strong return to endurance racing with the 9X8. The PEUGEOT 9X8 continues the PEUGEOT brand's tradition of designing high-performance racing cars, following in the footsteps of renowned and victorious pioneers in endurance racing. With the 9X8, the PEUGEOT brand combines sportiness, technological know-how, efficiency and design excellence. Just like the PEUGEOT 30 example 905 years ago, the PEUGEOT 9X8 showcases the brand's aerodynamic and aesthetic qualities. The PEUGEOT 9X8 is a thin, elegant and attractive car that draws attention in any environment and evokes speed with its appearance. At the front and rear, the distinctive lion's claw light signature stands out.
When viewed from the side, the PEUGEOT 9X8 stands out with its elegant lines. The mirrors almost integrate with the body in accordance with the aerodynamic structure of the vehicle. At the rear of the PEUGEOT 9X8 is a large diffuser that includes the headlights and is framed by elegant elements. In addition, the most striking and innovative feature of the 9X8 stands out. The 9X8 does not have any rear wings. At this point, PEUGEOT SPORT engineers and PEUGEOT designers were inspired by the new Hypercar regulations, the new top league of endurance racing. While others preferred to comply with the new regulations in a more traditional way, PEUGEOT teams chose to take risks and break new ground.
9X8 will shed light on PEUGEOT's future electric models
A hybrid system takes on the task of activating the new PEUGEOT 9X8. The 680 HP (500 kW) V6 biturbo petrol engine transmits its power to the rear axle, while the 270 HP (200 kW) electric motor/generator transmits its power to the front axle. The regulation allows hybrid cars to be all-wheel drive, but sets limits on the operating principle of the system. When determining the power to be transmitted to the front wheels, the regulation stipulates that the total system power should not exceed 750 HP (550 kW). Hybrid technology is an advantage as it brings with it the possibility of all-wheel drive. But it also presents a major technical challenge, as it makes power-train systems more complex. The PEUGEOT brand aims to switch to electric as soon as possible with its product range, and in line with this aim, it wants to introduce innovative technical developments and to be a pioneer in races. The new 9X8 program will shed technical light on PEUGEOT's future electrified models.
905 to 9X8
PEUGEOT's new Hypercar model 9X8 has three different meanings under its name. These two numbers and the X symbol are defined as follows;
The 9 characterizes the manufacturer's two notable racing cars, the iconic 905 (1990-1993) and 908 (2007-2011), which achieved great success in endurance racing.
X stands for the all-wheel drive system and hybrid technology used in the new PEUGEOT Hypercar, which gives the brand a significant advantage in its electrification strategy.
The 8 is a common mold used in all new PEUGEOT models, including the 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008 and of course the PEUGEOT 508, the first model to be labeled PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED, by the same engineers and design team as Hypercar.
Like the 508 PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED, the PEUGEOT 9X8 is part of PEUGEOT's Neo-Performance strategy, which aims to deliver informed and responsible performance in both production vehicles and the racing world. Close collaboration between the PEUGEOT SPORT engineering team and the PEUGEOT Design Team was vital in developing the 9X8.
PEUGEOT 9X8 in short
Engine:
- PEUGEOT HYBRID4 500KW powertrain (4-wheel drive)
- Rear axle: 680 HP (500 kW), 2,6 liter twin-turbo, 90° petrol engine and 7-speed sequential gearbox
- Front axle: 270 HP (200 kW) electric motor/generator and gearbox
Battery:
- PEUGEOT SPORT is a high-intensity, 900 Volt jointly developed by TotalEnergies / Saft.
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