As announced last year the next generation of LMP3 cars will be on track in 2025, with the Ligier JS P325, Duqueine D09 and Ginetta G61-LT-P325-EVO due to line up on the ELMS grid in Barcelona this April.
On the outside the third generation of the LMP3 chassis will look pretty much the same with some modifications to fit the new Toyota V35A engine. The Third-Gen Ligier, Duqueine and Ginetta will also boast an upgraded cooling system and wiring harness.
Adess is the fourth homologated LMP3 chassis, but none of the ELMS teams opted to race the AD25 for the 2025 season.
The 10 car LMP3 grid features eight Ligier JS P325-Toyotas, with a car each for Team Virage, reigning Champions RLR MSport, Eurointernational, CLX Motorsport, Racing Spirit of Leman, Ultimate, M Racing and Inter Europol Competition.
There will also be one Duqueine D09-Toyota run by WTM by Rinaldi Racing and one Ginetta G61-LT-P325-EVO-Toyota run by former champions DKR Engineering.
LMP3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
Minimum weight | 1000 kilos |
Gearbox | 6 gear sequential |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 litres |
Brake Discs | 355.6 mm |
Overall width | 1800 – 1900 mm |
Overall Length | 4650 mm maximum |
Height | Bodywork - 987mm maximum Intake - 1050mm maximum |
Wheels width | 13” |
Wheels diameter | 18” (28” with tyres) |
TOYOTA POWER: Twin Turbo V6 for 2025 Onwards
The common factor for all LMP3 chassis is the engine, which this season is the 3.6 litre V6 twin turbo Toyota V35A developed for racing by ORECA.
The Toyota V35A is found in several of the company’s road cars, including the Lexus LS 500.Internally, the LMP3 engine is the same as the production unit, which produces 415bhp in the Lexus LS 500. In racing trim, the Toyota V35A powerplant achieves 470bhp, marking a 15bhp increase on its Nissan V8 predecessor.
The original engine is a wet sump engine, while the race engine had to have a dry sump system to be able to fit it to the LMP3 chassis.
The new engine is also more frugal on fuel and quieter than the 5.6l V8 Nissan engine it replaces, and it has homologated until the end of 2029.
The next-generation LMP3 powertrain costs €89,200 within the €299,000 price for a complete race car.
TOYOTA V35A TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
Displacement | 3.5 litres (213.6 cubic inches) |
Power | 470 horsepower |
Cylinders | V6 |
Piston diameter | 85.5mm |
Stroke | 100mm |
Exhaust manifolds | Integrated into the cylinder head |
Turbocharger | Bespoke racing unit developed by IHI |
