One of the goals was to even out the gaps in performance between the primary classes that run at Le Mans and affiliated races as well as reduce the cost of competition for participants in the LMP2 class. Thus for the 2016 season, the LM-GTE cars will be getting faster to separate them from the GT3 class. The nominal weight of the GTE cars will go down by 10 kg (22 lbs) while engine output goes up by +15 kW (20 hp). The aerodynamic regulations are also being simplified but they will be more strictly enforced going forward. I wonder if these changes will attract more Detroit-area-based competitors to the GTE class? 🙂
In the LMP2 class, the changes don't come into effect until 2017 and should result in both improved performance and about 20% lower cost for competitors. Here in North America, the new P2 cars will replace both the existing P2 and the Daytona Prototypes inherited from the merger of ALMS and the old Rolex series.
Going forward, there will be a single spec engine and electronics package for P2 machines running in the WEC and the various regional series. The one exception will be North America where multiple engine manufacturers will still be allowed. For the chassis, four suppliers will be chosen to help ensure that there is both a sufficient supply and every manufacturer can sell enough cars over four years to make a viable business. The chassis regulations will be consolidated with the high-end LMP1 class meaning closed cockpits and narrower width than current P2 machines. A tender for the engine supplier will go out later this summer.
