Gameplay Deep Dive #7 - Focus on the Hypercar category
This week, we're turning our attention to a category that combines cutting-edge technology, intense competition, and global prestige, attracting motorsport's elite manufacturers, drivers, and fans alike.
What is the Hypercar category?
➡️ The Hypercar class is the pinnacle of endurance racing, comprising the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) and LMDh (Le Mans Daytona Hybrid) categories. These machines represent the ultimate in automotive engineering, bridging the gap between road-going hypercars and purpose-built race cars.
➡️ While hypercar racing is an incredibly expensive venture, it draws manufacturers and teams who are seeking both the glory of victory and the development of cutting-edge technologies that will eventually trickle down to road cars.
➡️ The LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) regulations were introduced to allow manufacturers to build bespoke race cars or adapt their road-going hypercars. These vehicles are designed to compete in endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a focus on hybrid technology, aerodynamics, and efficient powertrains. LMH entries are typically backed by large manufacturers, and they offer teams the freedom to design and develop their own engines and chassis, creating a unique technical challenge.
➡️ The LMDh (Le Mans Daytona Hybrid) class is slightly different, providing a more cost-effective option for teams by mandating standardized chassis supplied by selected manufacturers, while still allowing freedom in engine and hybrid systems. This category was created to unify endurance racing, allowing cars to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. As a result, it attracts manufacturers who want to race in both Europe and North America with a single platform.
➡️ While the Hypercar class offers a playground for manufacturers' creativity, strict regulations ensure a balance of performance (BoP) across different entries. This means that despite varying designs, all cars compete on a relatively level playing field, keeping the racing close and thrilling for spectators.
➡️ For drivers, the Hypercar class offers the opportunity to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. It attracts a mix of seasoned professionals, former Formula 1 drivers, and up-and-coming talent, all vying for victory in these legendary races.
Meet the Hypercar lineup!
Let’s explore the Hypercars and teams you'll encounter in GT Manager!
➡️ The Alpine A424, launched in 2024, signals Alpine’s push into top-tier endurance racing with a hybrid hypercar built to compete in WEC and at Le Mans.
➡️ The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro is a track-only hypercar, featuring extreme aerodynamics and performance, developed with F1 expertise to push the limits of racing technology.
➡️ The BMW M Hybrid V8, introduced in 2023, marks BMW’s return to prototype racing, competing in both WEC and IMSA with a hybrid powertrain that blends performance and efficiency.
➡️ The Bugatti Bolide is an 1,800-horsepower track monster, designed purely for speed and aerodynamics, showcasing Bugatti’s engineering at its most extreme.
➡️ The Glickenhaus SCG 007 is an independent hypercar built for WEC and Le Mans, combining innovative design with the spirit of endurance racing.
➡️ The Porsche 963, debuted in 2023, is Porsche's hybrid LMDh entry, competing in WEC and IMSA, with the goal of adding more Le Mans wins to the brand’s storied history.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
In addition to official car licenses, we're partnering with several teams you'll compete against, with more teams joining during the Early Access period!
➡️ The Alpine A424 Sim Racing livery brings the virtual world to life with a striking design inspired by Alpine’s esports division.
➡️ JDC-Miller Motorsports has a rich history in endurance racing, with multiple class victories in events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, showcasing their expertise and consistent performance in long-distance competition.
_____
Join our community:
What is the Hypercar category?
➡️ The Hypercar class is the pinnacle of endurance racing, comprising the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) and LMDh (Le Mans Daytona Hybrid) categories. These machines represent the ultimate in automotive engineering, bridging the gap between road-going hypercars and purpose-built race cars.
➡️ While hypercar racing is an incredibly expensive venture, it draws manufacturers and teams who are seeking both the glory of victory and the development of cutting-edge technologies that will eventually trickle down to road cars.
➡️ The LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) regulations were introduced to allow manufacturers to build bespoke race cars or adapt their road-going hypercars. These vehicles are designed to compete in endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a focus on hybrid technology, aerodynamics, and efficient powertrains. LMH entries are typically backed by large manufacturers, and they offer teams the freedom to design and develop their own engines and chassis, creating a unique technical challenge.
➡️ The LMDh (Le Mans Daytona Hybrid) class is slightly different, providing a more cost-effective option for teams by mandating standardized chassis supplied by selected manufacturers, while still allowing freedom in engine and hybrid systems. This category was created to unify endurance racing, allowing cars to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. As a result, it attracts manufacturers who want to race in both Europe and North America with a single platform.
➡️ While the Hypercar class offers a playground for manufacturers' creativity, strict regulations ensure a balance of performance (BoP) across different entries. This means that despite varying designs, all cars compete on a relatively level playing field, keeping the racing close and thrilling for spectators.
➡️ For drivers, the Hypercar class offers the opportunity to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. It attracts a mix of seasoned professionals, former Formula 1 drivers, and up-and-coming talent, all vying for victory in these legendary races.
Meet the Hypercar lineup!
Let’s explore the Hypercars and teams you'll encounter in GT Manager!
➡️ The Alpine A424, launched in 2024, signals Alpine’s push into top-tier endurance racing with a hybrid hypercar built to compete in WEC and at Le Mans.
➡️ The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro is a track-only hypercar, featuring extreme aerodynamics and performance, developed with F1 expertise to push the limits of racing technology.
➡️ The BMW M Hybrid V8, introduced in 2023, marks BMW’s return to prototype racing, competing in both WEC and IMSA with a hybrid powertrain that blends performance and efficiency.
➡️ The Bugatti Bolide is an 1,800-horsepower track monster, designed purely for speed and aerodynamics, showcasing Bugatti’s engineering at its most extreme.
➡️ The Glickenhaus SCG 007 is an independent hypercar built for WEC and Le Mans, combining innovative design with the spirit of endurance racing.
➡️ The Porsche 963, debuted in 2023, is Porsche's hybrid LMDh entry, competing in WEC and IMSA, with the goal of adding more Le Mans wins to the brand’s storied history.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
In addition to official car licenses, we're partnering with several teams you'll compete against, with more teams joining during the Early Access period!
➡️ The Alpine A424 Sim Racing livery brings the virtual world to life with a striking design inspired by Alpine’s esports division.
➡️ JDC-Miller Motorsports has a rich history in endurance racing, with multiple class victories in events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, showcasing their expertise and consistent performance in long-distance competition.
_____
Join our community:
