Ligier has unveiled the JS PX, a track special based on the company’s sports prototype chassis, which it says is the first in a line of one-off prototypes, single seaters and GTs.
“With this car, we wanted to celebrate the three overall victories in the American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans in 2016 with the Ligier JS P2,” explained Pierre Nicolet, managing director of Ligier Automotive. “We were the first constructor since Ferrari in 1998 to have completed this hat-trick in the same year. We had to do something special! The Ligier JS PX is a synthesis of our savoir-faire and French excellence. It is the ultimate sports prototype. It showcases the elements of the LMP and DPi categories, which will be replaced by Hypercars, but with no limitations. We have freed ourselves from all existing regulations. We have also drawn on the skills developed over several years alongside leading constructors to design and build their concept cars.”
The all-carbon car weighs 910kg and is fitted with an 825hp V6 twin-turbo engine prepared by the Ligier engine department. With a predicted top speed of 346km/h on the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, Ligier says it should be capable of a theoretical 3:19.00s lap time at la Sarthe.
Ligier collaborated with Olivier Pla – who raced for OAK Racing between 2011 and 2014 (OAK Racing was one of four companies that merged into Ligier Automotive in 2019) – on the car’s development. “It was essential to work with the right people for this unique project,” added Nicolet. “Chassis setup and electronics are the cornerstones of a successful car. It has to perform well but also be comfortable to drive. And that’s where Olivier comes in. He has helped us harness the power and performance of the Ligier JS PX to create various levels of use with different settings for ABS, traction control and engine power.”
“With 825hp, it accelerates very hard, with a lot of load,” remarked Pla. “Ligier’s objective with this model was to design an exceptional car, and honestly, apart from a Formula 1 car, which is not comparable, I don’t think there is any car in the world that is as fast on a circuit. With all the onboard electronics, it’s easy to drive. It is suitable for both experienced racers and gentlemen drivers who want to experience something similar to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in an LMP1 car but on track days.”
As for the wider program to build one-off and unique vehicles, “it’s a new concept for us,” explained Nicolet. “This unique model is in the same spirit as what some of the leading constructors refer to as one-offs but reserved for recreational use. We want to promote our expertise in the design and manufacture of high-performance vehicles and the customization we can offer our customers to create their own experience and meet all their expectations.”
The Ligier JS PX is being demonstrated in Portimão, Portugal, from December 7-10 as part of the test days organized by the Black Falcon racing team. It will be commercialized in the coming weeks directly from Ligier or through the company’s network of partners worldwide. A turnkey service with safekeeping and operation of the car on an ‘arrive and drive’ basis is also available to owners.
