2017 is the year the new LMP2 regulations come into effect with teams now being able to choose to run a car from four chassis manufacturers, all powered by a single engine supplier which offers a significant increase in performance while at the same time reducing the running costs.
The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) is an independently run closed-cockpit car, the new FIA Technical Regulations aim to ensure long-term success for the category with a reduction in costs and the guarantee of stability in the regulations.
The four constructors who will supply chassis for the cars that will compete in the Le Mans Prototypes 2 category are: Dallara, Onroak Automotive, Oreca and the joint-venture Riley Tech/Multimatic.
In the FIA World Endurance Championship, plus the European and Asian continental series run by the ACO, all LMP2 cars will be equipped with Gibson Technology engines, while Cosworth Electronics will be the single electronics supplier.
The 4-litre V8 engine, which was unveiled at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, delivers around 600bhp, an increase of approximately 100bhp on engines run in 2016. In addition to the power increase, teams will be able to take advantage of all the services linked to running an engine without significant extra charges – such as technical service and presence at the track.
The weight and dimensions of the 2017 LMP2 cars have changed from the previous iteration, with the maximum measurements of the new cars being longer, narrower, slightly taller and 30kg heavier.
| 2016 | 2017 | |
| Overall length | 4650mm (max)(rear wing included) | 4750 mm (max) |
| Front Overhang | 1000mm | 1000mm |
| Rear Overhang | 750mm | 750mm |
| Overall Width | 2000 mm (max) | 1900 mm (max) / 1800mm (min) |
| Height | 1030 mm above the reference surface | 1050 mm above the reference surface |
| Minimum Weight | 900kg | 930kg |
The new 2017 LMP2 cars will first race in Europe at the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship on Sunday 16 April 2017 at Silverstone in the UK. The public will be able to see the new cars on track during The Prologue, the official pre season test for the FIA WEC (1/2 April) at Monza in Italy.