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Cadillac GTP Hypercar Article Highlights:

  • Cadillac’s new GTP Hypercar is a 5.5L DOHC V8 hybrid race car with dramatic styling inspired by the automaker’s lineup. 
  • The GTP Hypercar has its sights set on the 2023 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) series as well as the World Endurance Championship, including Le Mans
  • The long, low race car replaces the DPi-V.R, which has a list of victories, including last year’s win in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. 

Does Cadillac make a race car?

While Cadillac has a racing pedigree, the newest addition to the marque’s racing lineup is villainous. The new Cadillac GTP Hypercar is a long, low purpose-built race car. The Cadillac race car uses a 5.5L dual overhead cam (DOHC) V8 engine married to a hybrid system. The only thing more dramatic than the sound of the screaming V8 is the Batmobile aesthetic. 

Chris Mikalauskas, the lead designer on the project, seemed excited to bridge the form and function of the race car. “Our job is to push as hard as we can possibly push,” Mikalauskas said. “Usually, when you’re designing production vehicles, there are times we have to make some sacrifices. With racing, there are no sacrifices. The functionality has to win, but from our side, it’s like, ‘How beautiful can we make that function look?’ That’s the key takeaway.”

The new Cadillac is an impressive-looking car, with nods to the current vehicle lineup like the unmistakable vertical lighting.

What is the point of the Cadillac GTP Hypercar?

The Cadillac GTP Hypercar is headed to the IMSA series and the World Endurance Championship. “It’s always been our dream to be back running for the overall win at Le Mans,” said Mark Stielow, director of motorsport and engineering at GM. The car is intended to replace the DPi-V.R, which is evident in the shape of the new Cadillac. 

According to Cadillac, the Project GTP Hypercar is the product of a collaboration between Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing, and Dallara. Dallara is an Italian race car marque and a wise choice for a racing partner. The fruits of that collaborative effort are evident in the space-age design of the race car. 

Cadillac GTP Hypercar is a new race car looking to debut at Le Mans
Dramatic styling is part of the new Hypercar’s formula | Cadillac

What is the Hypercar at Le Mans?

The Le Mans Hypercars (LMH) is a vehicle class for race cars. Specifically, LMH covers prototype cars and hypercars. The Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar will race in the LMH class. Cadillac will have some steep competition, though. 

According to Autoweek, Lamborghini and Alpine will field cars in the 2024 season. Furthermore, BMW and Porsche will likely compete with the GTP Hypercar. 

The new Cadillac GTP Hypercar is headed to Le Mans
The new Cadillac GTP Hypercar | Cadillac

When will the Cadillac GTP Hypercar race? 

The new Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar will make its racing debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023. Furthermore, Cadillac’s racing season will include the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. “Cadillac will be competing again on the world racing stage, and we are all thrilled to return to Le Mans after 20 years,” said Rory Harvey. Harvey, the Global Cadillac Vice President, has high hopes for the race car. 

Scroll down to the following article to read more about race cars like Formula 1 vehicles!
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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).