Heir to Onroak, Oak Racing and Pescarolo Sport, bearer of an emblematic name, Ligier Automotive has developed in a few years a very diversified range of racing cars, with the JS F3 / JS F4 single-seaters, the JS 2R silhouette and of course the LMP2/LMP3 and LMP4 prototypes monopolizing victories in Europe and America. Ligier takes a new step with an unprecedented model intended for « Track » sessions.
What do the Ferrari FXX, Lamborghini Essenza V12, Bugatti Bolide and Aston Martin Vulcan have in common? Exceptional models, not homologated for the road, pushed to their last technical entrenchments, and which allow their wealthy owners to indulge in high-level driving on circuits, all while being assisted by a slew of mechanics, engineers and adjoining services mobilized by the manufacturer.
Ligier adds a string to its bow and launches, like the great supercar manufacturers, into this extreme universe of one-off models intended for “Track” sessions, with a unique first model with incomparable performance, the Ligier JS PX. This sport-prototype is an opportunity for Ligier Automotive to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the American treble with the overall victory of the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans with the Ligier JS P2 in 2016. Design, aerodynamics, engine preparation, electronics, everything has been thought out to make the Ligier JS PX an exceptional car.
“With this car, we wanted to celebrate the three overall victories in the American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans in 2016 with the Ligier JS P2”, explains Pierre Nicolet, Managing Director of Ligier Automotive. « We are the first manufacturer since Ferrari in 1998 to achieve this treble in the same year. We had to score! The Ligier JS PX is a synthesis of our know-how, of French excellence. An ultimate sport-prototype that uses the codes of the LMP and DPi categories that will be replaced by Hypercars, but without any limits. We have freed ourselves from all existing regulations. We were also able to rely on the skills developed over several years alongside major manufacturers to design and manufacture their concept car. »
The Ligier JS PX is freed from regulatory constraints and promises breathtaking performance. The design is clearly reminiscent of the Dpi prototypes currently entered in the IMSA championship with an even more futuristic side. The three rows of LED diodes, interspersed by a double boomerang blade, give it a very aggressive look. The livery in shades of gray enhanced with touches of electrifying blue, designed specifically for the Ligier JS PX, gives it a very successful dynamic appearance. A test program conducted at Magny-Cours has made it possible to develop the ABS, traction control and engine performance systems specific to the Ligier JS PX in order to offer unparalleled driving comfort in all circumstances.
Ligier Automotive has worked with French driver Olivier Pla, who holds a special place in the manufacturer’s history for having driven from 2011 to 2014 with OAK Racing (since 2019 the OAK Racing team has been integrated into Ligier Automotive). « It was important for this unique project to surround ourselves with the right people »mentions Pierre Nicolet. « The adjustment of the chassis as well as the electronics is the key to a successful car. It must be efficient but also accessible in terms of driving. And that’s where Olivier comes in. He helps us to tame the power and performance of the Ligier JS PX to create levels of use with different settings for ABS, traction control and engine power. »
All carbon, the car weighs 910 kg and hides under its rear bonnet a V6 bi-Turbo engine prepared by Ligier’s engine department and developing 825 horsepower, ie 225 horsepower more than the P217 prototype. Enough to allow the car to fly up to 346 km/h on the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit for a theoretical lap of 3’19 »00. The Ligier JS PX thus becomes the most efficient and powerful sport-prototype ever produced by the French manufacturer. Hewland TLS-200 6-speed sequential gearbox with magnesium housing
« With its 825 horsepower, it pushes very hard, with a lot of load, » says Olivier Pla. Ligier’s objective with this model was to design an exceptional car and honestly apart from a Formula 1, which is not comparable, I think there is no such fast car in the world on circuit. And thanks to all the on-board electronics, it is easy to drive and is aimed at both experienced drivers and gentlemen drivers who wish to live an experience similar to those of the 24 Hours of Le Mans aboard an LMP1, but when of track days. »
This Ligier JS PX marks Ligier’s entry into a new dimension. « It’s a new concept for us, explains Pierre Nicolet. A unique model in the spirit of what some major manufacturers call one-offs, but reserved for recreational use. We want to promote our know-how in the design and manufacture of high-performance vehicles as well as in the customization that we can offer our customers to create their own experience and meet all their expectations”.
This is the beginning of a new range for the French manufacturer, which intends to develop other unique models reserved for leisure for enthusiasts looking for sensations without compromising on safety. Based on its sports prototypes, its single-seaters or even the Ligier JS2 R, the possibilities are endless. The Ligier JS PX will be on display in Portimao from December 7 to 10 as part of the test days organized by the Black Falcon racing team. It will be marketed in the coming weeks directly by Ligier or via its network of partners around the world. A « turnkey » service with guarding and operation of the car, on an « arrive and drive » basis, is also available to offer a unique experience, of pure pleasure, to its owner.
We look forward to the next creations, which keep the tricolor flame going. Between Oreca which will assemble the future GT3 of Ferrari and meets a great success in prototypes, Mygale which makes triumph its F4 and its single-seaters of formulas of promotion all over the world, Alpine which finds its ambitions and Ligier which dares the One-off model extreme, France continues to demonstrate its know-how in sports and racing cars, no offense to some. And if Ligier, in the event of the success of this technological demonstrator, was tempted by an even more daring adventure, such as a Hypercar program?
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