McLaren unveils at Le Mans 2027 LMDh Hypercar prototype

©McLaren

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In a dazzling moment of motorsport theatre at Le Mans on Saturday, McLaren pulled the covers off a full-scale prototype of the LMDh car set to return the marque to the pinnacle of endurance racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2027.

The reveal marks a historic milestone: exactly 30 years since McLaren’s iconic victory at Le Mans in 1995 with the legendary F1 GTR, the Woking-based powerhouse is ready to write a bold new chapter in endurance competition – this time in the elite Hypercar class.

Unveiled just hours before the start of the 93rd running of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the prototype offers a glimpse of McLaren’s vision for top-flight sportscar racing, fusing performance, heritage, and exclusivity in a package destined for both the racetrack and select private collections.

Project Endurance: Race-Bred Engineering, Customer-Ready Thrills

Alongside the racing prototype, McLaren has also introduced Project Endurance – a bespoke customer programme that will offer a rarefied group of buyers the opportunity to own a track-day version of the LMDh car.

Developed in partnership with chassis constructor Dallara, both the race and customer cars will be powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, ensuring authenticity and adrenaline in equal measure.

©McLaren

“This customer programme will offer buyers an incredible chance to own an authentic race car and get closer to the action on track,” said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, unveiling the car to an eager Le Mans crowd on Saturday.

“Project Endurance will deliver a driving sensation few will ever experience,” added McLaren Group Holdings CEO Nick Collins, highlighting the car’s blend of competition-grade engineering and elite exclusivity.

The customer car will be offered in strictly limited numbers—with only 10 examples expected to be built.

Owners will be invited to take part in a specially curated two-year programme of trackday events, allowing them to unleash the full potential of their machines under McLaren factory support.

United Autosports Named Factory Team for WEC Entry

In a key strategic move, McLaren confirmed that United Autosports – the highly decorated British endurance racing team co-owned by Zak Brown and Richard Dean – will run its factory WEC Hypercar programme.

The outfit is already a stalwart of the WEC paddock in the LMP2 category, and their appointment signals McLaren’s intent to hit the ground running when it officially joins the championship in 2027.

The McLaren LMDh is scheduled to begin its on-track testing in March 2026, with a full-scale development programme to follow soon after in preparation for a competitive debut the following year.

McLaren now joins Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, and Aston Martin in the ever-expanding Hypercar battleground – one of the most competitive and technologically advanced categories in global motorsport today.

With the return of the McLaren name to endurance racing’s grandest stage and the promise of a road-to-track experience for a fortunate few, the future of orange thunder looks brighter than ever.

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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.