Cadillac is developing a fourth generation Cadillac prototype constructed to the new IMSA and Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) LMDh regulations. The Cadillac LMDh prototype will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the WEC Championship beginning in 2023, and be the new hope for Cadillac Racing.
Cadillac and constructor Dallara are designing the LMDh. The companies’ cooperative efforts led to the design of the championship-winning Cadillac DPi-V.R. A new GM developed engine will integrate with the LMDh common hybrid system.
“We are excited to compete at the top level of international motorsport in the LMDh class,” said Rory Harvey, Cadillac Global Vice President. “Like motorsport, Cadillac is making the transition into a future driven by alternative propulsion. The hybrid nature of the LMDh rules will help us to bridge our technology transfer to our all-electric future.”
Cadillac plans to transfer its learnings and technology from the track to production vehicles. No word yet on how much of the LMDh aggressive design will make it to consumers.
Cadillac’s program will partner with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and Action Express Racing (AXR). The Cadillac LMDh will debut on the track for the first time at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in January of 2023, with the objective of participating at Le Mans.
“We are looking forward to the new international prototype formula and running the Cadillac LMDh,” said Chip Ganassi. “We have had a great relationship across three different racing disciplines with GM.”
Gary Nelson, AXR Team Manager, says the IMSA LMDh category is going to be very competitive. Since 2017, Team AXR has had a lot of success running the Cadillac DPi-V.R.
Time will tell what Team Cadillac will produce for 2023 but let’s hope what we see in the images will soon be on the streets.