The LMGT3 class was introduced to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2024, replacing the previous GTE category. This change aimed to align the WEC’s GT racing with the globally recognised GT3 specifications, promoting cost efficiency and broader manufacturer participation.
These GT3 cars underwent several modifications specific to the FIA WEC, including torque sensors, luminescent numbers and three classification diodes on their flanks (leader light system).
The introduction of GT3’s now aligns the World Endurance Championship with other GT3 series around the world such as ELMS, IMSA, British GT and more, but they still have their own unique specs:
- Adjustment according to Balance of Performance (BoP)
- New ABS systems
- Max speed of 300 kph
- Max fuel tank of 120 litres
- Weight: 1,280 kg (variable depending on BoP)
- Wheels: 18 pounds
- Tyres: Goodyear
- Identification: White on orange backgrounds
How Does LMGT3 Work in WEC
Manufacturers entering in the LMGT3 category of the World Endurance Championship will only be allowed to enter a maximum of two cars, to allow for a greater diversity in the LMGT3 category. Priority is given to manufacturers who have also entered a car in the Hypercar category, which many do.
As before with the LMGTE class, each car must have at least two drivers, including one bronze driver and one additional bronze or silver driver. In most cases you’ll see a platinum and/or a gold rated driver line up alongside them.
With the introduction of the LMGT3 class, another change comes into WEC for 2024 with the LMP2 cars no longer eligible to compete in the championship, making it a two class championship aside from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where they could race.
LMGT3s To Create Better Racing
All in all, the introduction of LMGT3, replacing the LMGTE class, makes for better racing in the championship. In 2023 the World Endurance Championship only had 4 manufacturers competing for glory with Aston Martin, Corvette, Porsche and Ferrari.
In 2024 there are now 9 different manufacturers in the World Endurance Championship creating a much more dynamic battle. The previous 4 manufacturers all return with new machinery but were also joined by BMW, Ford, Lexus, Lamborghini and McLaren. With the introduction of ABS systems in these cars, all drivers are able to break much later than before and the racing created was far greater.
9 manufacturers, 18 LMGT3 race cars, 23 LMGT3 entries for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a season that had Porsche, BMW, Aston and Ferrari all on the top step of the podium, created a memorable first 2024 WEC LMGT3 season resulting in Porsche Manthey Racing clinching the overall championship.
LMGT3 Guess The Car
LMGT3s In Le Mans Ultimate
The first batch of LMGT3 machines is fast approaching with a brand new DLC coming in December. This DLC, the third one in a group of 4, will begin introducing the LMGT3 class from the World Endurance Championship, with an initial offering of 4 brand new cars, one of which will be free so you can experience LMGT3s in the 2024 season.
Many eagle eyes veiwers would have already seen a variety of GT3 clay models over the last few weeks teased by Le Mans Ultimate, but if you haven’t you are in for a treat.
The BMW M4 GT3, Ferrari 296 GT3, Corvette Z06 GT3.R and the final image, being the McLaren 720s GT3 Evo are all coming to the platform. Perhaps as part of DLC pack 3 seeing as they have been teased first.
The full official line up of LMGT3 cars once complete from DLC pack 3 & 4 will looks like this:
- BMW M4 GT3
- Ferrari 296 GT3
- Corvette Z06 GT3.R
- McLaren 720s GT3 Evo
- Porsche 911 GT3R
- Lexus RC F GT3
- Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2
- Ford Mustang GT3
- Aston Martin AMR GT3 Evo
Which one are you most looking forward to getting behind the wheel of?
Le Mans Ultimate DLC Pack 3
Pack 3 is coming early in December, just in time for the Christmas holidays so you can get stuck into Le Mans Ultimate and the LMGT3 class. The price of the DLC is yet to be confirmed but it is likely going to cost slightly more than the first two DLC packs simply due to the fact that more content is provided.
Let’s remember you will be getting another new track with this DLC pack to accompany the LMGT3s and that alone is going to be exciting. Expect either São Paulo or Qatar.
It has been confirmed that all LMGT3 cars will be released with all the official teams, drivers and liveries from the 2024 season, including any special liveries used at races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
You can also save yourself some money by purchasing the Season Pass, which costs $48.99 / €35.99 / £39.99. If you already purchased one or both of the first DLC’s separately, you can still buy the Season Pass and get reimbursed the difference.
