2023 Cadillac V-Series.R #2
Pilots: E. Bamber, A. Lynn, R. Westbrook
Team: Cadillac Racing
Race: 3rd overall (LMH class) at Le Mans in 2023
TSM - 430755 (resin)
Published 12/06/24
The first time La Sarthe saw a Cadillac was in 1950. That year, Briggs Cunningham took a team of two Cadillacs to Le Mans. The first was a rather plain-looking Series 61 Coupe de Ville, nicknamed “Clumsy Pup” and sporting #3. The second, carrying #2, was another Series 61. However, Cunningham chopped the roof off and with a lot of body modifications created the outrageous “Le Monstre”. To the joy of the French press, Clumsy Pup finished in 10th overall followed one lap behind by Le Monstre. Moreover, an Allard J2 powered by a big Cadillac 5.4-liter V8 finished in third overall. Therefore, Cadillac’s first foray into Le Mans wasn’t spectacular, yet it sure was memorable. Even so, the brand stayed away from the world’s most famous endurance race for 50 years. Then, in 2000, Cadillac came back with the Northstar project.
Team Cadillac arrived with two Northstar LMP, finishing in 21st (#1) and 22nd (#2). The following year, results were worse: 15th and a DNF. In 2002, somewhat better: ninth and 12th. With the disappointing results, Cadillac called it quits and returned home. However, 20 years later they decided to get back to France. In August of 2021 Cadillac announced that they would build a LMDh prototype to race in 2023: the Cadillac V-LMDh. Later on, however, Cadillac officially changed the name to V-Series.R. The idea, as always, was to promote the brand through racing. And to maximize exposure, they would race both in the WEC (world) and IMSA (USA) championships. While the engine would be a bespoke in-house project, Dallara would be responsible for the chassis. Work on the new V-Series.R began right away, with the car to expectantly debut in early 2023.
As an American brand, Cadillac wanted to use an “American engine”. Consequently, and totally different from the competition, they used a naturally aspirated engine. Called the LMC55.R, it is a 90° 5.5-liter V8 with DOHC and 32 valves rated at 463 kW (630 hp). The V-Series.R is the only Hypercar that doesn’t use turbo-charging, and with that, the engine only weighs 180 kg. And since the car is a hybrid, it also has a 50 kW electric motor. With both, the final power output is around 474-513 kW (644-697 hp) – according to balance of performance (BoP). All that power goes to the driving wheels via a Xtrac P1359 7-speed automatic transmission. As is the current norm, the chassis, designed and produced by Dallara, is a carbon fiber monocoque. With all that, with a sleek carbon fiber body, the V-Series.R weighs the FIA-mandatory minimum of 1030 kg.
The first prototype was ready to race in January 2023. At the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona Cadillac enrolled a three-car team, finishing in third and fourth. Impressive for a first 24 hours race! At Sebring, in March, they came in first, and one month later came in fifth at Long Beach. In Monterey, in May, they came in first again. And then came June, time for the 24 Heures du Mans. Cadillac arrived en force, with a three-car squad in two teams. While V-Series.2 #311 was in the Action Express Racing team, #2 and #3 were part of the Cadillac Racing team. Though in different teams, both were factory teams. Car #311 didn’t do very well, finishing in 17th overall. However, V-Series.R #2 and #3 finished respectively in third and fourth places. Cadillac was back to La Sarthe, and this time with a podium.
Cadillac is one of those brands that, though very well known, has very little race heritage. And just like Lamborghini, they’re trying to build a better brand profile. Frankly, there’s hardly a better way to do that than by winning at Le Mans. The General Motors brand seems to be fully committed, guaranteeing a presence in Le Mans until at least 2025. And from the current V-Series.R results, they seem to have a pretty solid shot for future podiums. In 2024 however, their best result was only a seventh place. Nonetheless, the V-Series.R is beautiful in my eyes, specially in #2’s blue livery. And after I saw (and touched!!!) one in the flesh at the 6 Hours of São Paulo, it became a must buy. Winning or not. In scale it’s a beauty, and TSM did a fantastic job.
PS: I’m really curious to see how Spark’s version will compare… In fact, I only bought the TSM version (more expensive than the Spark) because it arrived first at my dealer. Even so, I doubt there will be a clear winner.