Mission H24 unveils a radical prototype
As the hydrogen category prepares its arrival at Le Mans by 2026, the Mission H24 team is preparing its weapons: an electric/hydrogen prototype was presented Wednesday morning at a press conference, with a look suggestive of high performance.
Mission H24, which collaborates very closely with the ACO for the future hydrogen category, had already launched two prototypes. The first was named LMPH2G, the second more simply H24.
This October 11, in the premises of our colleagues at l’Equipe, a press conference unveiled a much more radical car, which does not yet have a name (see below). Its visual identity, focused on white and blue, remains in the aesthetic codes of H24.
For the moment, it is only about temporary visuals, since the car will be assembled within two years, which is a year before it is launched in the hydrogen category.
A well-designed project schedule
This October 11 marked the launch of the third car from Mission H24. But the real design, which should not evolve more than on the visuals, will only be unveiled during the month of March 2024.
We should find this aerodynamics halfway between the old LMP1 and the current Hypercar, but much more sleek and aggressive. The rear wing, in any case, is very thin and very low here, the cockpit also very compact, extending to the front of the car. The wheel covers are very bumpy and the openings very prominent.
The real model, however, will see the light of day three months later, in June, on the occasion of the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The propulsion system will, for its part, be put to the test in October. The final product, the car being ready to run, will hit the track from January 2025.
An increasingly advanced technology
As Hugues de Chaunac said in our interview (to rediscover), hydrogen represents more the future of automobile than the current synthetic fuels.
The new prototype of Mission H24 will be a notable evolution in terms of performance: the hydrogen fuel cell, producing an electrochemical reaction creating water and heat, will have a total power of 300kW. The gain in performance is estimated to be 50% compared to the current H24.
The tanks, themselves, will be able to contain 3.9 kg of hydrogen each and there will be two at the rear of the prototype. The estimated autonomy is between 25 and 30 minutes in a race, with a high level of performance.
Finally, the new weapon of Mission H24 will be 150 kg lighter than its predecessor: with a weight of 1300 kg, its dimensions will be a little closer to Hypercar, but the idea will be, initially, to rank among the best GT3s.
The coal partners
« After introducing hydrogen to the track, MissionH24 now begins a new phase: engaging hydrogen in competition! This new prototype clearly positions itself as a sporting competitor to other energies in the race. Reliable, high-performance, safe, hydrogen technology aims to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans and zero emissions » says Pierre Fillon, the president of the ACO.
Hydrogen is developed for a car, both road and racing, that is completely decarbonized. The new ecological challenges have allowed for the implementation of this ambitious car, and « it’s about the next step.
Concrete and exciting from our programme towards a decarbonised automobile competition » to confirm Jean-Michel Bouresche, the president of H24 Project.
With the support of Michelin, for the tires, and TotalEnergies of course, the prototype will benefit from future dedicated facilities on the Le Mans circuit. And this will undoubtedly contribute to the spectacular metamorphosis that endurance has been experiencing for several years.
Finally, fans have until November 11 to find a name on Facebook, X and Instagram. The ideas are likely to be plentiful!
