2007 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP test car Ixo - LMM 102 (diecast)
Published 07/06/18
The last time Peugeot was at La Sarthe, was in 1993 with the winning 905. By 2005 the manufacturer was ready to try again, but for 2006 ACO would change the rules. The new rules encouraged closed cockpit designs. The development of the 908 began in 2005, and in the Paris Auto Show of 2006 a prototype version was ready. The car would rely heavily on aerodynamics for speed and fuel efficiency. Led by Guillaume Cattelani (previously involved with the Peugeot 905), wind tunnel testing began on April 18th 2006. The car spent a total of 500 hours in the wind tunnel.
So much work was done on the car that the Paris presentation car bears only a very vague resemblance, with nearly every detail being different beyond the general closed top architecture. Cattelani says that “Everything changed following the first wind tunnel tests in order to conform to ACO regulations: doors, wings, air intake etc.” In the end, the finished car look a lot different from the presentation version.
LUWerner on W143:
For 2006 there would be a rule change by ACO, where closed cockpit designs were encouraged. With that, the 908 started as a coupe with a carbon fiber monocoque body to offer better rigidity and lower weight (the car only weighed 925 kg). The engine was a turbo-diesel V12 with 5496 cm³ of displacement, DOHC and 48 valves, turbo-charged by two Garrett turbines, that could produce 700 hp. Being a diesel, the exhaust fumes go through particulate filters to extensively lower emissions and silence the engine.
The 908 was ready in early 2007, and on April it debuted on the 1000 km of Monza. And it did well – 1st place. Despite the great result, there were still quite a few gremlins to iron out for the 24 Heures du Mans. So in early June of 2007 Peugeot tested the car extensively at Paul Ricard – you can watch it here (3m33s). Soooo, another stealthy carbon fiber-skinned test car, and from Ixo again. And just like my other test cars from Ixo, another VERY nice model with great bang-for-the-buck. Ok, ok, not a model for everyone, I know, but since I’m a geek I’m very happy with it.