Cadillac returns to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June with three of the newly named Cadillac V-Series.Rs to compete for the overall win in the Hypercar class. The V-LMDh is powered by Cadillac’s all-new LMC55R 5.5L DOHC V-8 that’s paired with the LMDh common hybrid system. Developed in-house, the naturally aspirated racing engine is rated up to 670 horsepower, per series specifications, and is backed by a seven-speed sequential gearbox.
Co-developed by Cadillac Racing, Cadillac Design and Dallara, the final V-Series.R design was informed by the Project GTP Hypercar that debuted last summer. It incorporates distinctive Cadillac design elements such as vertical lighting and floating blades.
The livery designs for the three all-new electrified V-Series.R race cars represent a different bold color from the Cadillac V-Series emblem—No. 01 in gold, No. 2 in blue and red on No. 31.
Ride onboard with Cadillac Racing’s Hypercar #2 and Le Mans winner Earl Bamber at the wheel. The FIA World Endurance Championship is the world’s premier international sportscar championship, contested over seven rounds across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With multiple cars across three categories (Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGTE Am) all on track at the same time, the WEC is a sports car extravaganza that offers action, overtakes, excitement and entertainment for fans worldwide.
Cadillac’s V-LMDh rolls out of pit lanes to the whine of an electric motor, but by the time it’s on the track its naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V8 is singing. The transition between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine is reminiscent of a bump start, but it’s a tad more complex than that.
To start the process, the clutch is opened, which decouples the ICE from the gearbox. Then, the electric motor delivers power directly to the gearbox and accelerates the car to pit lane speed (37 mph). Once the vehicle reaches pit lane speed, the ECU releases the clutch and blends power between the EV and ICE systems, which fires its raspy V8 into life.
Plainly put, the electric motor replaces the starter that’s conventionally used in ICE vehicles.
WE&P by: EZorrillaMc.