The Ligier JS P217 was conceived in 2016 in preparation for the new FIA and ACO regulation changes effective in 2017. Onroak Automotive developed a new chassis from scratch, focusing on improving the mechanics from the Ligier JS P2. Key areas of focus included air cooling for engine radiators and brakes, cockpit air conditioning, a new axle, nut, and rim to reduce tire change times, and improved weight distribution. Driver comfort, space, control accessibility, and visibility were also considered. The car was publicly unveiled at Spa-Francorchamps in September 2016. It underwent initial shakedown tests at Magny-Cours earlier that week and further testing at Daytona International Speedway in November 2016 in preparation for its competition debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.
Development drivers for the project included Olivier Pla, Pipo Derani, and Julien Canal. The JS P217 is one of four new-generation prototypes developed under the cost-controlled formula, which mandates a spec 4.2-liter Gibson V8 engine for all cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series, and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Ligier JS P217 features a carbon monocoque chassis and bodywork from HP Composites. It has a length of 4745mm, a width of 1900mm, and a wheelbase of 3010mm, with a weight of 930kg. The suspension system includes double wishbones, pushrods, torque rods at the front, and springs at the rear, along with 4-way shock absorbers and an adjustable anti-roll bar system. The 6-speed sequential Hewland TLS-200 gearbox has a magnesium casing and is cooled by an oil exchanger, utilizing a semi-automatic pneumatic steering wheel paddle system. Kayaba electric power steering is used. Braking is handled by AP Racing master cylinders, 6-piston Brembo calipers, and Ø15'' front and rear carbon discs from AP Racing. The car rides on Ø18'' magnesium OZ Racing rims, 12.5'' wide at the front and 13'' at the rear. Electronic systems, including the data acquisition system and integrated telemetry, are supplied by Cosworth Electronics.
A variation of the prototype, the Nissan Onroak DPi, also known as the Ligier Nissan DPi, was developed for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Prototype class under DPi regulations. This car was a partnership between Onroak Automotive, Nissan, and Nismo. Its powerplant is a 3.8-liter V6 twin-turbo engine derived from the Nissan GT-R GT3. Other modifications from the JS P217 include a large front panel and revised side panels. Onroak Automotive supplied two Nissan Onroak DPi prototypes to Tequila Patrón ESM for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. ESM competed with the DPi until late 2018, when the team ceased operations due to a lack of sponsorship. CORE Autosport subsequently acquired the ESM DPis and campaigned them in the 2019 season.
Revealed in 2021, the Ligier JS PX is an unrestricted track-day special based on the JS P217. It utilizes a 3.8-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, developed to 825 hp. The chassis, suspension, and transmission are identical to the P217, with Ligier optimizing the ABS, TC, and ECU systems based on input from Olivier Pla. The JS PX features a large front panel similar to the Nissan DPi, with an extended nose and a copycat element directly beneath it. It retains single canards on each side, unlike the DPi's dual-canard setup. The enlarged cooling duct from the DPi for the NISMO VR38DETT engine is present, though the side panels are simplified by the removal of a turning vane. The car was featured as the main protagonist's Le Mans entry in the 2023 film Gran Turismo, sporting a racing livery with PlayStation and NISMO sponsorship.
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 2017: 1 win (Laguna Seca)
European Le Mans Series 2017: 2 wins (Silverstone Circuit, Red Bull Ring)
European Le Mans Series 2018: 1 win (Spa-Francorchamps)
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