Peugeot Sport has developed a new all-wheel drive V6 biturbo hybrid powertrain for the Peugeot Hybrid4 500kW, the new LMH prototype with which the French brand will return to Le Mans.
On a technical level, the new high-performance mechanical configuration of the lion firm is based on a 2.6-liter V6 biturbo gasoline engine capable of delivering 680 hp on the rear axle. This block is associated with a seven-speed robotic sequential transmission with paddles on the steering wheel. Following the guidelines set by the WEC regulation, the thermal combustion block works together with a second electric motor-generator located on the front axle that produces 200 kW (272 hp) providing all-wheel drive to the car. Altogether, the mechanical scheme reflects a weight of 165 kg.
Complying with the rules established for the propulsion system of the prototypes belonging to the WEC Hypercar category, the electric motor of the new Peugeot Hybrid4 500kW will be activated once the front wheels exceed 120 km / h. When this happens, the gasoline engine limits its power delivery to a maximum of 408 hp depending on the energy available.
The electrical unit will be coupled to a high performance reducer and an inverter that will transfer the power from the battery to the motor. It will be able to instantly use all the energy made available by the battery thanks to the software that will manage the energy strategies of the traction chain. For the development of the electronic system in charge of managing energy, Peugeot will use the experience gained in recent years by PSA Motorsport in WRC and Formula E races.
He battery pack It has been developed together with Total, the brand’s historical partner in the world of competition. This housed in a carbon structure under the fuel tank, behind the driver’s seat and within the car’s monocoque structure. As in a Formula 1 or an LMP1, the braking system is ‘Brake-by-wire’ type‘. From inside the cockpit, the pilot can manage regenerative braking to play with the energy level available.
