The New Era of LMP3: Toyota Engines, Challenges and Opportunities – part 4: Ligier JS P325

Being the dominant prototype in the P3 class, the Ligier JSP3 reaches its third generation with the P325 version. Like competitors from Adess and Duqueine, the prototype updates are focused on allowing installation of the new Toyota V6 biturbo engine, using the know-how obtained in the development of the JS PX prototypes and Lamborghini’s LMDh SC63, equipped respectively with V6 and twin-turbo V8 engines.

Presented during the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend, the Ligier prototype presented a more extensive evolution of its aerodynamic configuration, a contrast in relation to its competitors, despite the limitations imposed by the ACO on which elements could be modified.

📸Ligier.

Right away, we can see that the air intakes for the radiators (1a) were advanced to the front of the car, while in the P3-20 version the same intakes were close to the cockpit (1b and 1c).

📸Racecarsdirect.com and Ligier.

Furthermore, on the P3-25 a second outlet was added to the rear region (2), raising the entire rear deck, probably serving as an additional outlet for the engine’s intercooler system, a solution that is very similar to that used on the Lamborghini SC63.

📸Ligier.

Moving towards the central section, the bargeboards (3a and 3b) were redesigned, and the exhaust outlets migrated from the side (4) to the engine cover. This made room for the brake air intake to be redesigned (5), and for an additional intake (6), whose function is still unclear.

📸Racecarsdirect.com and Ligier.

Finally, we can see that in the rear fairing the cutout of the wheel boxes (7) has been redesigned, giving the impression that a third pair of strakes (8) has been added, however the quality of the published image does not allow a confirmateion of this solution at the moment. Furthermore, in the rear view we can see how the exhausts (9) are pointed directly to the rear, which could be an indication that they also have an aerodynamic function.

📸Ligier.

The development work was carried out by French driver Olivier Pla, who worked on the development of the brand’s LMP2 and LMP3 prototypes, and should continue in the European summer until homologation, which should take place at the end of August.

Sources:

The Ligier JS P325, ready to take over the reins. Available at: https://ligierautomotive.com/en/news/the-ligier-js-p325-ready-to-take-over-the-reins/.

Ligier Unveils 2025 JS P325 LMP3. Availabel at: https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/06/08/ligier-unveils-2025-js-p325-lmp3.html.

The Ligier JS P325, ready to take over the reins. Available at: https://en.endurance-info.com/auto/article/112253-ligier-js-p325-ready-take-over-reins.

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