We’ve had guides to the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Hypercars in Le Mans Ultimate as new machines and updates have dropped. It’s now time for the 2026 Hypercar guide, especially as the real WEC season is around the corner. Here we go.
Le Mans Ultimate now features the most complete Hypercar grid in any racing simulator. It has thirteen cars spanning four seasons of endurance racing’s top class, built to two different rulesets, powered by everything from screaming naturally aspirated V12s to twin-turbo V6s and combustion-only independents.
With the addition of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH and the Genesis GMR-001 LMDh in recent updates, the virtual Hypercar grid now mirrors the real-world 2026 WEC season more than ever. Whether you’re a returning driver or stepping into a Hypercar cockpit for the first time, this guide covers every car in the class, what it is, how it drives, and what makes it unique.
What Is the Hypercar Class?
Hypercar is the premier class in the FIA World Endurance Championship, introduced in 2021 to replace LMP1. As manufacturers like Audi and Porsche withdrew from LMP1 in the mid-2010s, entries dwindled. The FIA and ACO responded by creating a more affordable top class that aligned more closely with manufacturers’ road-going platforms, and the result has been the most competitive era in endurance racing history.
The Hypercar class is made up of cars built to two different sets of regulations: LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) and LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid). Both compete against each other through Balance of Performance, and both are eligible for the WEC and IMSA championships.
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- All LMU and rF2 DLC
LMH vs LMDh: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the split between LMH and LMDh is essential because it directly affects how each car drives in Le Mans Ultimate.
LMDh cars use spec hybrid systems that deliver power through the rear axle only. Their monocoques and suspension must come from one of four approved constructors: Oreca, Dallara, Ligier, or Multimatic. They feature 50KW hybrid batteries. The trade-off for less freedom is lower cost, making LMDh the more popular route for manufacturers entering the class.
LMH cars have far more design freedom. Manufacturers can develop their own chassis, suspension, and aerodynamic package. If they include a hybrid system, electric power must be delivered through the front wheels above a speed set by BoP, creating a four-wheel drive effect. LMH hybrid batteries are much larger at 200KW. Crucially, LMH cars are not required to have a hybrid system at all and cars like the Glickenhaus and Vanwall run on combustion power alone.
The biggest difference you’ll feel is in hybrid deployment. LMDh cars have smaller batteries with simpler rear-only deployment. Hybrid LMH cars have much more electrical energy to manage, delivered through the front axle, which changes the feel under acceleration at speed. Non-hybrid LMH cars offer a completely different throttle experience and strategy picture, with no electrical energy to regenerate or deploy.
All 13 Hypercars in Le Mans Ultimate
| Car | Ruleset | Engine | Hybrid? | LMU Exclusive? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine A424 | LMDh | 3.4L turbo V6 | Yes | No |
| Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH | LMH | 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 | No | No |
| BMW M Hybrid V8 | LMDh | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 | Yes | No |
| Cadillac V-Series.R | LMDh | 5.5L naturally aspirated V8 | Yes | No |
| Ferrari 499P | LMH | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 | Yes | No |
| Genesis GMR-001 | LMDh | 3.2L twin-turbo V8 | Yes | Yes |
| Glickenhaus SCG 007 | LMH | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 | No | Yes |
| Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 | LMH | 6.2L naturally aspirated V8 | No | Yes |
| Lamborghini SC63 | LMDh | 3.8L twin-turbo V8 | Yes | Yes |
| Peugeot 9X8 2024 | LMH | 2.6L twin-turbo V6 | Yes | Yes |
| Porsche 963 | LMDh | 4.6L twin-turbo V8 | Yes | No |
| Toyota GR010 Hybrid | LMH | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 | Yes | Yes |
| Vanwall Vandervell 680 | LMH | 4.5L naturally aspirated V8 | No | Yes |
The LMDh Cars
Alpine A424
The French manufacturer returned to top-flight endurance racing in 2024 with a two-car WEC entry, and the A424 has been a solid performer since. Built on an Oreca chassis with a 3.4-litre turbo V6, the Alpine brings a refined, well-balanced package to the LMDh field.
In LMU, the Alpine is a dependable all-rounder. It doesn’t have the outright drama of some of its rivals, but it’s consistent and predictable, qualities that serve well over endurance distance. The 2024 real-world campaign saw podium finishes and a fourth-place manufacturer championship result, making Alpine the best of the newcomers that season.
BMW M Hybrid V8
BMW’s return to Le Mans came in 2024, 25 years after its famous overall victory in 1999. The M Hybrid V8 uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 on a Dallara-built LMDh chassis, and it’s one of the more distinctive-sounding cars in the class.
In LMU, the BMW feels planted and composed. It’s not the most agile Hypercar through tight corners, but its stability and strong braking performance make it a good choice for drivers who value consistency. The real-world programme gained momentum through 2024, eventually reaching the podium at Fuji.
Cadillac V-Series.R
The Cadillac is everything an American prototype should be. Its 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 – the largest displacement engine in the Hypercar class – produces a sound that sim racers fall in love with instantly. Built on a Dallara chassis, the V-Series.R was one of only two LMDh cars on the 2023 WEC grid.
In LMU, the Cadillac rewards smooth driving and is particularly strong under braking. The naturally aspirated power delivery feels linear and predictable compared to the turbocharged alternatives. The real-world car claimed a podium at the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours and won the IMSA title with Wheelen Engineering Racing.
Genesis GMR-001 (NEW)
The most exciting addition to Le Mans Ultimate’s Hypercar roster, the Genesis GMR-001 arrived as a surprise free addition in the V1.3 update, before the real car had even turned a wheel in the 2026 WEC season.
The GMR-001 is Genesis Magma Racing’s LMDh-spec prototype, developed in collaboration with Oreca. Under the bodywork designed by Genesis Design Europe sits a bespoke 3.2-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with the mandatory spec hybrid system, producing around 670 horsepower combined. The programme is led by Hyundai Motorsport with Cyril Abiteboul, fresh from guiding Hyundai to WRC glory, serving as team principal.
In LMU, the GMR-001 shares the same hybrid LMDh architecture as the Porsche 963, BMW M Hybrid V8, and Cadillac V-Series.R. LMU currently features the #17 entry, with the #19 car expected to follow later.
Lamborghini SC63
Lamborghini entered the Hypercar class in 2024 through the Iron Lynx outfit, fielding the SC63 – an LMDh car powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8. The 2024 season was a learning year, with the car managing only one top-ten result at Le Mans.
In LMU, the Lamborghini is an engaging car to drive. It’s agile through corners and the V8 delivers strong mid-range torque, though it requires more precision than some of the more established LMDh options. The SC63’s striking styling makes it one of the most distinctive cars on the grid.
Porsche 963
No name is more synonymous with Le Mans than Porsche, and the 963 has been at the sharp end of Hypercar racing since day one. Built on a Multimatic chassis with a 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8, the 963 led the 2024 WEC manufacturers’ championship and has proven itself a winner at Le Mans and beyond.
In LMU, the Porsche 963 is one of the most popular choices in the Hypercar class. It’s well-balanced, responsive, and rewards drivers who commit to braking zones and carry speed through corners. The braking performance is particularly noteworthy, strong and confidence-inspiring.
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The LMH Cars (Hybrid)
Ferrari 499P
The car that ended Ferrari’s 50-year wait for a Le Mans overall victory. The 499P won on its debut at Le Mans in 2023 with Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi, then returned to defend the crown in 2024, and followed it up with a third victory last year! Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 200KW hybrid system, it’s a proper factory LMH weapon.
In LMU, the Ferrari is one of the most rewarding Hypercars to drive. It has excellent low-speed performance with a planted, confidence-inspiring front end. However, it demands respect at medium and high speeds, where it can feel slightly on edge. The 200KW hybrid system delivering through the front axle adds a unique feel under acceleration, and you can feel the four-wheel drive effect pulling you out of corners.
Toyota GR010 Hybrid
Toyota’s dominance of the Hypercar era is unmatched with championship victories in 2021, 2022, and multiple Le Mans wins. The GR010 Hybrid uses a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 200KW hybrid system, and it has been the benchmark since the class began.
In LMU, the Toyota is predictably fast. It has a strong, pointy front end and an excellent overall balance that makes it easy to approach for drivers new to the Hypercar class. It can struggle with rear grip at medium-speed corners, but in the majority of scenarios, the GR010 is one of the most well-rounded cars in the game.
Peugeot 9X8 2024
The Peugeot 9X8 originally broke onto the scene in 2022 with a radical wingless design. For 2024, Peugeot overhauled the concept, adding a conventional rear wing and redesigning 90% of the bodywork. The result is a far more competitive machine powered by a compact 2.6-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 200KW hybrid system.
In LMU, the 2024-spec Peugeot feels considerably more conventional and competitive than the original. The smaller engine displacement means it relies heavily on its hybrid system for outright pace. It’s a technically interesting car to drive, with different deployment management compared to the Toyota and Ferrari.
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- Online Championships
- Extended Registration
- All LMU and rF2 DLC
The LMH Cars (Non-Hybrid)
Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH (NEW)
The Valkyrie was one of the most anticipated additions to Le Mans Ultimate. Aston Martin’s long-awaited return to top-level prototype racing became reality in 2025, and the car was the first officially licensed Valkyrie in any racing simulator.
Jointly developed by Aston Martin Racing and Multimatic under LMH regulations, the Valkyrie is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre Cosworth-built V12, the only twelve-cylinder engine in the entire Hypercar class. It has no hybrid system, making it one of the purest driving experiences on the grid.
In LMU, the Valkyrie has a distinctive character. The default setup runs safely, with noticeable understeer on corner entry and brakes that lack the initial bite of hybrid cars. However, the car comes alive mid-corner, with strong rotation that sometimes feels overenthusiastic at low speed. It’s planted under throttle on exit and is more stable than many other Hypercars in this phase. The V12 soundtrack alone is worth the drive.
Glickenhaus SCG 007
The Glickenhaus is the ultimate underdog story. The small American outfit joined the WEC Hypercar class in 2021 as a privateer entry, taking on the might of Toyota, Ferrari, and Porsche with a fraction of their budget. The SCG 007 uses a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with no hybrid system, keeping the car simple and honest.
In LMU, the Glickenhaus drives like a raw, unfiltered prototype. Without hybrid power to assist, the throttle experience is purely combustion – linear, predictable, and old-school. The car can be competitive on pace thanks to BoP, but the lack of electrical assistance means your strategy and tyre management are different from the hybrid runners. It’s a rewarding car for drivers who enjoy a purer connection to the machine.
Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6
If the Glickenhaus is an underdog, the Isotta Fraschini is the wildcard nobody expected. The revived Italian marque entered the Hypercar class as a privateer with the Tipo 6, an LMH car powered by a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 with no hybrid system.
In LMU, the Isotta Fraschini is one of the more characterful Hypercars. The big naturally aspirated engine provides a very different power delivery compared to the turbocharged majority, and the absence of hybrid power means it shares the combustion-only driving experience with the Glickenhaus and Vanwall. It’s not the fastest car in the class, but it’s undeniably unique and a favourite among drivers who value character over outright competitiveness.
Vanwall Vandervell 680
Last but not least, the Vanwall name carries immense historical weight. The British manufacturer won the first-ever Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship in 1958. The modern incarnation graced the 2023 WEC season with a single entry in the iconic dark green livery, running a 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 with no hybrid system.
Like the Glickenhaus and Isotta Fraschini, the Vanwall provides a combustion-only Hypercar experience. It’s the rarest car in the class and arguably the most niche pick in the entire game, but for fans of motorsport history and drivers who want something completely different from the mainstream hybrid runners, it occupies a special place on the grid.
Quick Reference: Choosing Your Hypercar
| Purpose | Recommended car | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best for beginners | Porsche 963 | Responsive, well-balanced, strong braking, widely represented in sim racing |
| Best all-rounder | GMR-001/Cadillac V-Series.R | The GMR-001 is the newest and also the fastest, but the Cadillac is well-balanced, strong braking, good BOP, and good raceability also |
| Best for Le Mans | Ferrari 499P | Three-time real-world Le Mans winner, strong low-speed performance for chicanes |
| Best soundtrack | Aston Martin Valkyrie | The only V12 in the class, nothing else sounds like it |
| Most unique experience | Glickenhaus SCG 007 | Combustion-only privateer, pure, raw, unassisted prototype driving |
| Newest addition | Genesis GMR-001 | Race it before the real car has even completed a WEC season |
| Dark horse | Wingless Peugeot ’23 | Easy to drive with great top speed and a good buff in the latest update. People sleep on this one. |
What Do Hypercars Feel Like in Le Mans Ultimate?
A few things to know before you head out on track for the first time:
Tyres
Cold tyres are brutal. Even with warm ambient temperatures, you need a minimum of three laps to fully heat hard compound tyres. During this phase, even LMGT3 cars can outbrake you. Expect the car to squirm on the first few laps, and manage your expectations and your throttle.
Tyre compounds matter. You have three Michelin compounds to choose from. Hard offers the best longevity but the weakest peak grip. Medium is the all-round compromise. Soft gives the most outright pace but degrades the fastest. Your compound choice is a strategic decision tied to stint length and ambient conditions.
Energy
Hybrid management is complex. You can individually control deployment and regeneration over a lap, which adds a layer of strategy that goes beyond simple push-to-pass. Learning your chosen car’s hybrid system is as important as learning the braking points, especially in endurance races where energy management determines whether you can push or must conserve.
Non-hybrid cars are a different proposition. The Valkyrie, Glickenhaus, Isotta Fraschini, and Vanwall have no electrical energy to manage. That simplifies strategy but also means no hybrid-assisted braking and a purer, more traditional throttle feel. You’ll need to brake earlier and adjust your approach compared to hybrid machinery.
Brakes
Braking is strong but nuanced. Compared to GTP cars in iRacing, Le Mans Ultimate’s Hypercars allow you to hit the brakes hard. However, weight transfer and the point of losing grip during a slide feel subtly different owing to the rFactor 2-based physics engine. Take time to learn the braking behaviour of your chosen car before pushing the limits.
Get Hypercar Setups for Every Car
As the official setup partner of Le Mans Ultimate, Coach Dave Delta provides you with pro setups for all the Hypercars in the game. If you’re a Delta subscriber, you have access to professionally developed setups for every Hypercar, automatically installed when you load into a session. Each setup comes with qualifying setups, different race setups, telemetry data and reference laps from professional sim racers.
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