iRacing should be introducing two new LMDh category cars as part of the upcoming Season 4 Update. This overview will cover the basics of the two cars and highlight some things that make these two cars special.
Acura ARX-06
Built on an Oreca, the Acura ARX-06 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.4L V6 that's supplemented by a 50kW Motor Generator Unit developing 500kW. It weighs 1,030kg, uses a double-wishbone suspension system and the rear wheels are driven via a 7-speed semi-automatic gearbox.
These specs are similar to the BMW M Hybrid V8 that was the first LMDh introduced to racing back in Season 1 of 2023 and due to the Balance of Performance system employed both in real-world racing as well as iRacing, performance should be similar.
The car has spectacular styling and is, in our opinion a better-looking car than the BMW. Needless to say, looks mean nothing if the car doesn't perform but we're confident that it will be competitive straight out of the box.
Acura is a subsidiary of Honda and they have a rich history in motorsport spanning many decades. Acura represents Honda's American motorsport division and the ARX-06 competes in the IMSA Sportscar Championship and should join the iRacing IMSA Series when it gets released.
Porsche 963
Porsche is one of the biggest names in endurance racing and, after retiring the all-conquering 919 a few years ago, entered their new 963 in both the IMSA Sportscar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2023.
They've already won two races in IMSA with a podium finish as their best result in WEC. The car is powered by a 4,6L V8 that uses two turbocharges and a Motor Generator Unit to deliver 500kW.
It's built on a Multimatic carbon fibre chassis and uses a double wishbone suspension and a 7-speed semi-automatic gearbox. Just like the Acura, it should be competitive on iRacing mainly due to the BOP rules and the fact that it runs on a proven LPM2 chassis.
Final thoughts
The top category in iRacing's endurance series is fleshing out nicely with the potential of four LMDh cars to choose from with all delivering similar performances with small variations that can give you an advantage depending on track type, driving style etc. The Porsche 963 has already been confirmed for Season 4 of iRacing and the Acura should, hopefully, be announced soon.
We miss the old LMP1s with the crazy performance and ridiculous ability to boost past any other lower category car like they're looking for parking but, the new LMDh class is the future of endurance racing and we enjoy the challenge of learning these new cars and maximising their potential in this new, highest category of multi-class racing.
iRacing's Season 4 update will be out in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned for our full write-up of all of the new features and new content.
