Video: Peugeot's crazy 9X8 getting thrown around on its Monza debut

25th July 2022

Simon Ostler

We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Peugeot 9X8 Le Mans Hypercar, and here it is finally making its debut at the 6 Hours of Monza round of this year’s World Endurance Championship. It’s the first of the new additions to the Hypercar class as we all look forward to what is set to be a renaissance of the highest level of sportscar racing.

While we’ve seen pictures of this new Peugeot 9X8, this is the first time we’ve seen it running in anger during a race event, and the best news is it looks absolutely incredible. The fanged Peugeot-style headlights make for easy identification, but the lack of a rear wing, for the moment at least, sets the 9X8 apart from everything else on the circuit.

Then there’s the noise coming from that 680PS (500kW) 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine. While it’s a very different sound to that of the V8 in the upcoming Cadillac Project GTP LMDh car, it still hits a good volume with plenty of whirring, popping and banging under braking to add some interest, especially as we watch on here from trackside.

Although this debut outing for the 9X8 was relatively success-free in terms of results, we can’t help but feel there’s plenty to come from this Peugeot outfit in the remaining two races of 2022 at Fuji and Bahrain, as this car racks up the miles ahead of its full-season debut in 2023. If nothing else, we can’t wait for a chance to see this stunning car in the metal.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Sailing an F1 car around Montreal

Image courtesy of Motorsport Images.