Peugeot 9X8: thoroughly revised, new colors

Older rules

The PEUGEOT 9X8 was originally designed with the 2020/2021 technical regulations in mind. Between the design phase of the car and the start of competition in the summer of 2022, the regulations changed, creating opportunities to further improve performance in certain areas.

Balance of Performance

“We made choices that are now no longer the right ones and this difference in performance was not sufficiently compensated by the BoP (Balance of Performance) in 2023,” said Olivier Jansonnie, Peugeot Sport Technical Director. “Therefore, we wanted to go back to a design similar to that of our rivals so that it gives the car equal treatment by the BOP. We decided to abandon the use of four identical 31 cm wide tires and opt for 29 cm wide tires in the front and 34 cm on the rear axle.”

To take full advantage of the changes in regulations, the aerodynamics of the 9X8 have been improved, including a new rear wing.

Better aerodynamic balance

Olivier: “Strictly speaking, it is not a new car because it has the same chassis, but there are many upgrades. To make the tires work effectively, we had to change the car’s center of gravity, move certain parts and make others lighter. A redistribution of aerodynamic loads was necessary for better aerodynamic balance. As a result, we had to redesign about 90% of the body components, with the rear wing being the most important addition. Also, we decided to use this new homologation to add some reliability and performance upgrades to increase our chances of success in the championship.”

New livery

These upgrades also provided an opportunity to continue the working relationship established four years ago with Peugeot Sport: “In 2022, we first came up with an elegant, understated design to mark Peugeot’s return to the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2023, we came up with a livery designed by artist Demsky, referring to the centenary of the Le Mans 24 Hours and the 30th anniversary of Peugeot’s one-two-three at Le Mans. For 2024, we came up with a design in which the ‘lion’s head’ is used in different scales,” said Matthias Hossann, Peugeot Brand Design Director.

Group of lions

Hossann: “This graphic design, symbolizing a group of lions, exudes the sense of collectivity that perfectly reflects the values of Endurance racing. We wanted to highlight this team spirit and the wealth of talent in the team.The design is produced in different sizes and different colors from the Peugeot Sport color chart, including black, gray, white and kryptonite. This theme will also be applied to the lifestyle merchandising products developed by Peugeot’s graphics team.”