Glickenhaus teases its FIA WEC hypercar

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus first announced its intention to participate in the FIA WEC racing series in the summer of 2018. It was then that the carmaker revealed some early sketches of its SCG 007 LMP1 hypercar that was being designed specifically for the tournament. Today, it released the first official teaser.

SCG is already taking part in various endurance races. Its SCG 003C racecar has scored gold at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race (category: SP-X) for three years in a row (2017–2019). This year, the company also won the 6 Hour Qualifying Race and the VLN 1.

The rear end of the revealed vehicle evokes associations with the Alfa Romeo BAT Concept sketches that Franco Scaglione drew for the coachbuilder Bertone back in the 1950s. The aerodynamic drag of the proposed concept car was estimated at 0.19 – 0.23.

Furthermore, the prototype vehicle sports modern Alfa Romeo-style wheels, leading many to suspect that SCG has a deal going with the Italian manufacturer. CEO James Glickenhaus has not commented yet.

The Hypercar class is expected to emerge in the FIA WEC Championship series in the 2020–2021 season. It is expected to replace the LMP1 automotive class and become the top class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2021. The participants will be obliged to keep their vehicles as close to their stock (i.e., road-legal) condition as possible. If a company wants to enter the championship with a brand-new hypercar, it will first have to produce a minimum of 20 such cars within a two-year period. The drivetrain can be traditional or hybrid.

Reportedly, the Glickenhaus sample shown here uses a hybrid system. An internal combustion engine, which is rated higher than 650 horsepower (485 kilowatts), drives the rear axle, while a duo of electric motors on the front axle delivers up to 150 hp (112 kW) to the ground. The total power rating (761 hp / 567 kW) and minimum curb weight (1,040 kg / 2,293 lbs) are limited by the relevant racing regulations.

Glickenhaus’s known rivals include the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the Toyota GR Super Sport. ByKolles Racing, Lamborghini and Koenigsegg might also choose to enter the Hypercar class later on.