For many, the Cadillac name conjures thoughts of the grandiose Escalade SUV, classic Coupe DeVilles and perhaps even the new all-electric Lyriq SUV.
This fact makes the new Project GTP Hypercar all the more intriguing. This is a show vehicle previewing a third-generation prototype race car that will contest the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Fans of these FIA events may know that Cadillac has dominated the IMSA Daytona Prototype International (DPi) event with its DPi-V.R., winning three championship and every major endurance race, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona four consecutive times from 2017-2020, Road & Track reports.
The Project GTP Hypercar will attempt bring more glory to Cadillac in the DPi class’ replacement, the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid, in 2023. It will mark the first time Cadillac has competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2002.
Few specs are known, but the combustion component will be an all-new 5.5-liter V8. Per regulations, it will have to fit hybrid transaxle, rev no higher than 10,000 RPM and sound no louder than 110 decibels. Total output will sit between 644 and 697 hp—how much of that comes from the electric motor and V8 will be up to Cadillac.
Looks will be similar to the concept you see here, with Cadillac’s historied vertical lighting and floating blades, and that mosaic shield logo.
“Competing for the overall win at Le Mans with an iconic American brand like Cadillac is an honor,” said Laura Wontrop Klauser, GM sports car racing program manager. “The entire team is excited to continue building Cadillac’s racing legacy by competing against the very best internationally and in the world’s toughest race.”
The Project will begin on-track testing this summer and first race at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2023.