Peugeot Reveals New 908 Prototype for 2011 Le Mans

Peugeot have launched their new Le Mans programme for the 2011 campaign, with which they hope to regain the crown in the Le Mans 24 Hour race this season. And although there has been plenty of speculation on the powerplant of the newly-developed 908 prototype, it was confirmed on Thursday that the car will be powered by a 3.7-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine.

Trying to align itself to the new performance equalizing regulations imposed by the ACO in late 2010, Peugeot have left aside their plans to power their Le Mans prototype through hybrid technology and decided to continue using its long-term developed diesel technology.

“We ultimately decided to opt for a turbocharged diesel V8, the characteristics of which are very similar to those of the V12 (which powered the old car),” confirmed Peugeot Sport's technical director Bruno Famin during the team's media launch in Paris, on Thursday.

“The angle of the 'vee' is 90 degrees (compared with 100 degrees in the case of the V12) for balance reasons. The cubic capacity is 3.7 litres and the new V8 HDi FAP boasts peak power of 550hp. We ran it for the first time on the dyno on January 25, 2010.”

Wanting to build up on their Le Mans Series and International Le Mans Cup success in 2010, Peugeot have revealed an improved 908 prototype, although visually there aren't many differences as compared to its predecessor, the 908 Hdi FAP.

“Given the big reduction in engine power resulting from the 2011 regulations, we had to take a fresh look at the trade-off between aerodynamics, drag and downforce. The latter has been significantly reduced in order to maintain a reasonably high top speed,” added Famin, who also explained the team's continuance of the closed top prototype design.

“We knew from previous testing work that there is little significant difference between open- and closed-cockpit cars in terms of their aerodynamic performance. At the same time, despite the added constraints they bring when working on them at races, closed-cockpit cars provide additional safety for the drivers. We therefore decided to stay with the same solution.”

Having already undergone some testing starting July last year – under its code name 90X – the new 908 will reportedly have recorded 12 tests in full before the 24 Hours of Le Mans kick-off.

“We continue to work without worrying about what our opponents are doing; we are simply focusing on our own objectives. Between the car's track debut in 2010 and the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours, we will have completed 12 tests in all, at a number of different circuits,” concluded the Peugeot technical.