The technical director of Peugeot Sport, Olivier Jansonnie, revealed to the press in Imola that the decision to add a rear wing to the new Hypercar 9X8 Le Mans for 2024 was motivated by the change in tire sizes. Unlike the previous model, the new version of the 9X8 uses 29-inch tires at the front and 34-inch tires at the rear. Jansonnie explained that this change in tire dimensions required a rebalancing of the car’s weight distribution to optimize performance. Essentially, the design change was driven by the need to accommodate the specific characteristics of the tires.
Initially, Peugeot believed that using 31-inch tires could be compensated for by Balance of Performance regulations. However, their simulation models indicated that the 29/34 tire combination would yield better results. Unfortunately, this assumption did not prove to be entirely accurate. Jansonnie acknowledged that they had anticipated the superior performance of the 29/34 tires when the regulations were modified to allow their use in LMH cars. However, the extent of the difference between the two tire dimensions was underestimated.
Jansonnie emphasized the significant changes implemented in the new 9X8, especially in terms of aerodynamics. The introduction of a rear wing and a new floor were directly influenced by the change in tire dimensions. These modifications resulted in a completely different car, with only the cooling ducts and the monocoque chassis being retained from the previous model. The rest of the aerodynamic surfaces are entirely new, reflecting the impact of the tire change on the overall design.
The pilot Nico Muller, who races with the Peugeot 9X8 #93, expressed his belief that the car feels more connected compared to its predecessor. According to Muller, the car responds more intuitively to configuration changes and is easier to bring to its optimal performance. This improvement in connectivity enhances the overall driving experience and allows for more precise adjustments.
Although Peugeot secured a spot on the podium at last year’s 6 Hours of Monza and showed promise at the opening of the 2024 season in Qatar, the initially homologated version of the 9X8 struggled to keep up with its competitors. However, with the introduction of the new tire dimensions, Peugeot aims to benefit from improved traction in low-speed corners, thanks to the KERS hybrid system that is activated above 150 km/h. This strategic decision is in line with the manufacturer’s commitment to maximizing performance and staying competitive in the racing scene.
