After five seasons (2015–19) with the 5.0-litre Nissan VK50 V8 engine and five more (2020–24) powered by the 5.6-litre VK56 V8, the ACO has announced that the LMP3 class will switch to the Toyota V35A, a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, from 2025.

This is the powerhouse that drives the Lexus LS500. It develops 470 hp (15 hp more than the outgoing Nissan) but is more frugal on fuel, and quieter too. The new engine, built and prepared by Oreca, will be homologated until the end of 2029, offering manufacturers and customer teams visibility and stability for the next five seasons.

The third-generation LMP3 will be introduced into the ACO’s championships in 2025, beginning with the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and Le Mans Cup (LMC) at the start of the season, and followed by the 2025–26 Asian Le Mans Series. Partner championships running under official ACO licence will switch to the new generation from the start of the 2026 season.

The current four LMP3 chassis manufacturers – Ligier, Duqueine Engineering, Ginetta and Adess – have been kept on for the new homologation cycle. Among the technical details revealed, the third-generation LMP3 will boast an upgraded cooling system, wiring harness and body.

The total outlay will be €299,000 for a full car – €209,800 for the chassis and €89,200 for the powertrain. Retrofit chassis and powertrain kits for second-generation cars will also be available with a price tag of around €60,000 each.

Subject to manufacturer production schedules and the homologation calendar, teams should begin to take delivery of the first cars in the third quarter of 2024.