In addition to the DPi cars, the new 2017 spec P2s are also allowed under IMSA regs. Here's the first to test and, in fact, the only prototype to test at Daytona yesterday, the Ligier JS P217.
That's a GTE car or, for IMSA, GTLM. Still curious how they get to run that configuration but I'll guess it's another GTE level exception/waiver granted.
From IMSA: Porsche will tackle the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season with an all-out newly developed GTLM racer. The new 911 RSR makes full use of the breadth of the global GTE regulations, and in addition to systematic lightweight design, features the ultra-modern, flat-six engine positioned in front of the rear axle. The extremely light four-liter powerplant is highlighted by direct fuel injection as well as a rigid valve drive and is characterized by outstanding fuel efficiency. The new 911 RSR will make its debut at the 55th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona in January 2017. “While retaining the typical 911 design, this is the biggest evolution in the history of our top GT model,†says Head of Porsche Motorsport Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser. The new 911 RSR is a completely new development: the suspension, body structure, aerodynamic concept, engine and transmission have all been designed from scratch. The engine concept has enabled the designers to install a larger rear diffuser. Combined with a top-mounted rear wing adopted from Porsche’s LMP1 prototype racecar, the level of downforce and the aerodynamic efficiency has been significantly improved. “For the 911 RSR, we deliberately focused on a particularly modern and light normally-aspirated engine, as this gave our engineers immense latitude in developing the vehicle,†explains Dr. Walliser. “Apart from that, in principle, the GT Le Mans class regulations stipulate the absolute equality of various drive concepts, as the torque characteristics of turbo and normally aspirated engines are aligned.†The changeover to the new engine generation is now complete. After the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup, the spearhead of Porsche GT racing cars is now also powered by the same cutting-edge six-cylinder boxer engine family. Depending on the size of the restrictor, the new normally aspirated unit develops approximately 510 hp (375 kW). Shift paddles on the steering wheel actuate the sequential six-speed gearbox with a magnesium housing, which delivers power to the 12.2 inch-wide rear wheels. For the first time, a Porsche GT racecar features state-of-the-art assistance systems. The new 911 RSR is equipped with a radar-supported collision warning system, the popularly-called “Collision Avoidance Systemâ€. Even in the dark, in races such as the Rolex 24, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring or the Petit Le Mans, the faster prototypes are detected early enough that misunderstandings can be avoided. A new safety cage concept and a new, rigidly mounted racing seat enhance driver safety. With the seat fixed to the chassis, the pedals can now be moved and adjusted to fit the driver. The new 911 RSR’s serviceability has also been significantly improved. Entire elements of the carbon-fiber body can be completely exchanged in a very short time thanks to clever quick-release fasteners. Moreover, changes to the suspension setup can be performed much more quickly and easily. With the look of the body wrapping, the 911 RSR is striking out in a new direction. For the first time, the GT racer bears the new factory design that has further developed the clear and dynamic design language of Porsche Motorsport. From a bird’s eye view, a hint of the Porsche emblem silhouette can be seen. The basic colors remain white, red and black. In the 2017 season, Porsche will tackle the WeatherTech Championship with two factory-entries. The new racer will celebrate its debut under the toughest conditions at the IMSA season opener in Daytona on January 28-29. “We’re very well prepared for this,†says Marco Ujhasi, Head of GT Works Sport. “Since its first rollout in Weissach in March this year, we’ve covered more than 21,000 test miles (35,000 kilometers) on racetracks in Europe and North America – that’s more than in the development of an other previous Porsche GT racer.â€
Supposedly no waiver was needed according to this article: http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/holy-crap-porsche-finally-made-a-mid-engine-911-race-ca-1789051250
Sounds like the GTE class is even more open than I thought! There were complaints already last year when people griped the Ford GT was more prototype than GT car and the open nature of the class would start a development war that would eventually price the category out of existence. Now I'm curious to see how much they changed in the 2017 regs, might just have to take a look.
I always thought it had to be a production configuration. You could argue that the Ford wasn't in production yet, but it did follow the production configuration. Porsche on the other hand has made a racing only version of the car. Unless they found a way to say the it was a Cayman production configuration with a 911 body. So when will the mid-engine Corvette start racing in GTE?
One pundit's opinion re GT excesses. GT racing's growing problem (motorsportmagazine.com) Full article here.
Looks like the same is happening in IMSA. We'll have 3 Cadillacs, 2 Mazdas and 2 Ligier. 7 cars and 4 teams. I thought the new formula was suppose to bring in more teams. Most of the interest is going to be on the GT classes.
I hope good looking DPi cars is the rule rather than the exception. Here's the Cadillac. Cadillac Confirms Daytona Prototype international to Debut in 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona