Cadillac's high-octane return to the world's most grueling endurance races

Cadillac's high-octane return to the world's most grueling endurance races
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In short: After a 21-year absence from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Cadillac returned with a powerhouse: the V-Series.R. This isn't just a car; it is a precision-engineered sports prototype built to dominate the world's most prestigious endurance circuits using a massive, naturally aspirated V8 heart.

The Cadillac V-Series.R, originally designated as the V-LMDh, represents a major engineering pivot for the brand. Designed by Cadillac and built by chassis supplier Dallara, the car was developed to meet the Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) regulations. A 5.5-liter 90° naturally-aspirated V8 serves as the massive powerplant for this vehicle, making it a titan within its class. This internal combustion engine is paired with a hybrid powertrain featuring standardized components from Williams Advanced Engineering, Bosch, and Xtrac.

The 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans saw Cadillac reappear on the track for the first time since 2002. The program saw immediate success, with the #2 car securing a surprising 3rd overall finish in its debut year. Cadillac secured its inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship win during the 2025 6 Hours of São Paulo, where the car grabbed a historic 1–2 finish. By November 2025, the V-Series.R had amassed seven wins and 13 podium finishes across its campaigns.

The program has seen significant organizational shifts. While Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing were the primary factory partners for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Cadillac transitioned to Wayne Taylor Racing and Jota Sport for 2025. This transition saw the brand secure its first-ever pole position at Le Mans in 2025, a milestone achieved through a front-row lockout in Hyperpole qualifying. The car's visual identity is tied to Cadillac's heritage, running in three primary colors—yellow, blue, and red—taken directly from the brand's logo.

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