On June 11, 2015, at the traditional 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, Jacques Nicolet — then president of Onroak Automotive and the OAK Racing team — presented the company’s first LMP3 prototype to the world: the Ligier JS P3.
Less than a year after the Ligier JS P2 (the brand’s first LMP2) made its competition debut, the arrival of the JS P3 symbolized the next step in a bold journey to rebuild the Ligier brand in international endurance.
“That launch remains one of the most memorable moments in our history. We had made great strides with LMP2, and LMP3 was the next logical step in creating an affordable and ambitious ladder to endurance racing. Standing alongside Guy Ligier that day, watching him convey his passion and determination one last time, was deeply moving,” recalls Jacques Nicolet.
From then on, each new Ligier LMP3 model would be unveiled on the same legendary stage: the Circuit de la Sarthe. This was the case with the JS P3 in 2015, the JS P320 in 2019, the JS P325 in 2024, and now the commemorative JS P3X.
1. An Undisputed Success Story
Since its launch, Ligier’s LMP3 prototype line has become an absolute benchmark in the category. The JS P3 paved the way: in just two years, 100 cars were sold and no less than 18 titles were won between 2015 and 2019 in championships such as ELMS, MLMC, VdeV, and IMSA.
The JS P320, launched in 2020, expanded this domain:
- 31 titles won in LMP3 competitions since its debut;
- Victories in major races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans;
- Notable participation in championships on five continents: European Le Mans Series, Michelin Le Mans Cup, IMSA Prototype Challenge, Asian Le Mans Series, Ultimate Cup Series and Endurance Brasil.
In 2025, the Ligier JS P325 took the lead with a blistering start to the season: pole positions, victories and full podiums for the brand in the Barcelona and Le Castellet rounds of the ELMS and MLMC — in addition to 31 confirmed entries for the Road to Le Mans.
2. Ligier JS P3X: Limited Commemorative Edition
To celebrate a decade of achievements, Ligier presented in 2025 the JS P3X, an exclusive model based on the JS P320, with production limited to just ten units.
“The Ligier JS P3X represents everything we’ve learned in ten years of LMP3 racing: it’s the perfect balance of performance, design, and passion. It celebrates our legacy and points to the future,” says Jacques Nicolet.
The “X” symbolizes ten years of the LMP3 line, but also something exceptional — a special edition that brings together the most refined features of the brand’s prototype history.
3. Hypercar Style, High Performance, Real Emotion
The Ligier JS P3X features a GM LT1 V8 engine under the hood with an impressive 625 horsepower—an increase of over 155 hp over traditional LMP3 models. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a GM Small Block V8 engine has been installed in a Ligier LMP3, as driver Fernando Poeta’s Ligier JS P320 has been competing in Endurance Brasil since 2024 with an LS3 V8 engine.
This leap in performance required an all-new aerodynamic package with a redesigned front splitter (1) with diveplanes (2) similar to the JS P325 version, modified wheel arches (3) and a new hood inspired by the LMP2 style (4), as well as headlights inspired by the optical set of the JS P325 generation (5).
Moving to the side, the engine cover was modified, with a dorsal fin in the style of current Hypercars (6).
Furthermore, the cooling system has been improved to match the new power level. To complete the package, in addition to increased power and refined aerodynamics, the JS P3X incorporates an ABS braking system—again, a solution used on the JS P320s that compete in the P1 class of Endurance Brasil.
“”We wanted to create a more radical car that brought together the best of the three generations of LMP3. The JS P3X delivers more performance, but is still fun and direct to drive. It’s a true gem for those who love driving,” adds Nicolet.
These modifications have made the JS P3X one of the most extreme LMP3 cars ever built—it remains to be seen whether some of this expertise will also be transferred to the JS P320s competing in the Brazilian endurance championship.
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