Porsche launched the 2023 LMDh racer test earlier this week, providing some of the clearest images yet of the finished car. The assessment, conducted with partner Penske Racing, covers about 1,200 miles over a period of several days at Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona.
Porsche says the goal is to improve the interaction between the car’s turbocharged V8 engine and mixture and find the ideal tire settings for certain race conditions. The 671hp engine is only lightly camouflaged, perhaps in an attempt to make us think we’re seeing something that we shouldn’t really be trying to hide anything.
By now, the general shape of the LMDh is well known. We’ve seen both render and Partial trailer of the real deal. However, seeing it in action reveals some visual details about the prototype. For example, its headlights use the four-element design found in many modern Porsche road cars and emit a purple light when illuminated. Presumably, this is to differentiate the car from its siblings when it comes to running similar models, as Porsche did with its 919 WEC cars. We also review it brake lights, like lightsabers integrated into the rear edge of the wing.
As important as testing the car itself, this is an opportunity for individuals from Porsche, Penske and Michelin to work as a team. “Including our partners, more than 70 people were at the track,” explains Urs Kuratle, Porsche factory manager for the LMDh race. “We have made great progress not only with the car, but also with the cooperation of operations and processes within Porsche Penske Motorsport. But we still have a long way to go to get to where we are. I want.”
Factory driver Dane Cameron, a native of California, talks about the long road ahead. “At this early stage of development, it is not about pushing to the limit,” he said. “Our approach is very conservative… because there’s still so much incredible potential for further improvement new car. Cameron will drive with Felipe Nasr of Brazil when the car makes its maiden voyage at 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2023.
