The ByKolles-run Vanwall Hypercar operation are aiming to return to the FIA World Endurance Championship next year after they were not granted a spot on the 2024 grid.
The Vanwall Vandervell 680 is expected to be dramatically overhauled with changes which will make it more competitive, team boss Colin Kolles told Motorsport-Total.com.
A naturally-aspirated 4.5L Gibson engine allegedly underpowered the 680 during its usage in the 2023, meaning it was unable to reach the minimum power output required by the Balance of Performance.
Furthermore, this engine previously used in the Rebellion R13 LMP1 [which became the Alpine A480 in 2021 and 2022] struggled to produce straight line speed, lacking around 80 hp, according to Kolles.
As a result, the team intends to use the 3.5L twin-turbocharged Pipo Moteurs powertrain last seen in the Glickenhaus 007 LMH, which produces around 850 hp, as it was developed before the LMH-LMDh Hypercar convergenve rules limited power output to 700 hp maximum. This means the engine is essentially too powerful to run in Hypercar without being detuned, thereby increasing reliability as less stress is put on the engine components.
The monocoque chassis will be retained so as to not require new crash tests although further changes include introducing an intercooler for the air intake and cooling infrastructure, in addition to a new exhaust exit for the Pipo Moteurs powertrain.
A new Cosworth gearbox will be installed which will increase the number of gears from six to seven speeds. As a result, an overhaul of the electronics will take place.
One other notable change will be the introduction of a new brake-by-wire system, which aims to improve braking capability, cornering efficiency and stability in the braking zones. Different brake discs and pads will be added on top of tweaks to the brake cooling system.
At last year’s 6 Hours of Portimao, the Vanwall suffered a major brake failure with Jacques Villeneuve behind the wheel, which was the first of three consecutive retirements although the other two instances were unrelated.
For instance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car faced clutch, engine and suspension issues, the latter of which will have a new geometry due to the brake-by-wire introduction.
After Kolles was rejected from the 2024 entry list, their Hypercar intentions have been revised as they aim to participate in the 2025 WEC season.
Their best race result was the 1000 Miles of Sebring opener last year, in which they finished in eighth position which was also their only points-scoring race.
