Peugeot keeps 9X8 through 2029, plans 2027 evo

Peugeot said it will bring an evolved version of its 9X8 Hypercar to the World Endurance Championship in 2027, using new WEC rules that allow extra evo-joker changes for cars that have clearly fallen behind on performance. The company said it does not plan to build an entirely new car before the current rules cycle ends, and will continue developing the existing 9X8 platform.

Stellantis motorsport boss Olivier Jansonnie said Peugeot has been working on the next evolution of the car for some time and is seeking approval from the FIA and ACO so it can be classified correctly under the changing regulations. Peugeot’s current 9X8 has already used all five of its permitted evo jokers, and the company made no performance changes for the 2026 season.

The announcement came after another difficult Le Mans 24 Hours, where Peugeot’s two entries finished 11th and 12th and were several laps behind the leaders. Even so, Peugeot CEO Alain Favey said the 9X8 name will stay in use through 2029 and reaffirmed the marque’s commitment to the WEC and Le Mans program through at least the end of the current homologation cycle. Peugeot is aiming to build on a stronger start to the 2026 season at Spa and Imola, where the car took pole at Spa, and its best WEC result remains second place at Fuji, along with three third-place finishes from 2023 through 2025.