Race and classic pictures

Peugeot takes the wraps off radical 9X8 Hypercar!

Peugeot has revealed the first images of its radical latest generation 9X8 Hypercar that will carry the French manufacturer back to the World Endurance Championship in 2022.

Powered by a hybrid power unit which drives through all-wheel drive transmission, the stunning design which will herald a new era of motor racing due to its "flowing lines" is noticeable, among other things, for the absence of a rear wing.

Peugeot design director Matthisas Hossann revealed the original inspiration for the Le Mans Hypercar's outline.

"Since the 9X8 is a Peugoet, the original sketch that steered our work portrayed a big cat ready to pounce, a stance which we have suggested by the slightly forward-tilting cockpit”, said Hossann?

"The overall lines of the Peugeot 9X8 express the brand’s styling cues, while its sleek, racy, elegant forms inspire emotion and dynamism."

In case you're wondering about the car's nomenclature, the "9" continues the series employed by the manufacturer for its recent topflight endurance racing cars, while the "X" refers to the machines all-wheel drive technology and hybrid powertrain, and the "8" is the suffix used for all of peugoet's current model names.

"It is the first racing car to feature styling to this extent," said one of the 9X8's future drivers, Kevin Magnussen.

"There’s been nothing like it before. It really looks like the future of racing. It’s the first time so much work has gone into a racing car’s actual design.

"The absence of a rear wing was as a huge surprise. It feels like the beginning of a new era."

Magnussen will be joined next year at Peugoet by fellow former F1 drivers Paul di Resta and Jean-Eric Vergne, as well as by endurance racers Loic Duval, Mikkel Jensen, Gustavo Mnenezes and James Rossiter.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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