McLaren Project: Endurance Le Mans Hypercar
Simultaneous development of race spec and customer car
McLaren Racing will simultaneously develop a prototype racing car that complies with the LMDh regulations and a customer car to be introduced in the WEC from 2027.
McLaren Racing, which has announced that it will compete in the WEC from 2027 with a prototype racing car developed under LMDh regulations, has announced a new customer program, “Project: Endurance,” in conjunction with this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, the fourth round of the WEC. Participants in Project: Endurance will become the owner of a genuine LMDh-compliant prototype racing car developed by McLaren, and will have the opportunity to become part of McLaren’s racing history.
McLaren will develop a very limited number of customer cars in parallel with the LMDh hypercar, which will be introduced from 2027. Project Endurance participants will also be allowed to take part in behind-the-scenes activities, such as the development programme and testing that McLaren Endurance Racing is conducting in preparation for the WEC hypercar’s debut.
McLaren Group Holdings CEO Nick Collins added the following about the unprecedented customer programme:
“McLaren Automotive and McLaren Racing are thrilled to be joining forces to offer our customers the experience of owning a genuine Le Mans Hypercar. Not only will they have the unique opportunity to own an all-new LMDh racing car, which only a select few will have the chance to experience, but they will also have the exclusive opportunity to be fully immersed in the development and racing programme that will underpin McLaren’s challenge in the WEC in 2027.”
“The programme will also include a dedicated track programme for Project Endurance, an incredible opportunity that will take the partnership between McLaren and our customers to a new level.”
Dallara to build LMDh vehicles
The LMDh-compliant hypercar and customer-specific Project Endurance will be manufactured by Italian racing constructor Dallara.
Like McLaren United Autosport’s WEC LMDh-spec hypercar, the Project Endurance will be powered by a race-developed V6 twin-turbo hybrid powertrain, driving the rear wheels, and will be built by Dallara, one of the world’s leading race car constructors and exclusive partner of the IndyCar Series.
Taking the customer LMDh regulation hypercar ownership experience to a new level, McLaren will also put Project Endurance buyers at the forefront of its elite motorsport development and testing program, granting owners full behind-the-scenes access to the McLaren Racing LMDh program, including key team personnel and drivers.
They will also be at the core of the development program for the McLaren Hypercar, which aims to win the WEC in 2027. Naturally, they will also be able to take part in various races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They will also be provided with a two-year McLaren circuit driving program on some of the world’s most prestigious courses. Full support is provided on the circuit, so participants do not need to prepare in advance. Each owner will receive direct driving instruction from racing professionals, as well as consistent support from individual pit crews and engineers.
Commenting on the announcement of Project Endurance, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said:
“Our return to the World Endurance Championship marks an exciting new chapter for McLaren Racing. Together with McLaren Automotive we have a rich history in motorsport, including winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans on our first attempt in 1995. This customer programme will give buyers an incredible opportunity to own a genuine race car and get close to the heart of the racing action.”
