Creating the Ultimate Prototype
Short Answer: The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) racecars that raced in the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona are the most extreme racecars in the International Motor Sports Association’s endurance racing events due to advanced technology and cutting edge automotive engineering
Image 1: GTP cars racing each other on a bank during the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona (Image Courtesy of Nadia Zomorodian/The Daytona Beach News-Journal)
We’ve talked about how the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class cars are incredible due to their design and engine output. Those cars are so light and nimble that they are formidable competitors. Alas, there is a class above the LMP2 class—the GTP class.
As the name suggests, these cars are also prototype cars and are made under strict regulations by both the International Motor Sports Association, LLC (IMSA) and The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). GTP class cars also use lightweight monocoque chassis and sophisticated aerodynamic elements to help them perform and handle well at high speeds. Furthermore, these cars also have powerful internal combustion engines (ICE). This, however, is where the similarities end between the LMP2 class and GTP class cars.
Image 2: The winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona—the #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963—battling the #93 Acura ARX-06 at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona (Image Courtesy of Nadia Zomorodian/The Daytona Beach News-Journal)
Let’s take a look at the Porsche 963’s specifications just to see how this compares to the LMP2 Oreca we referenced yesterday. Even though the Porsche 963 carries approximately 100 kg more mass than the Oreca 07 does, the Porsche produces more power at 707 Pferdestärke (PS), or just over 697 bhp, while the Oreca 07’s powertrain produces 603 bhp. While this might not seem significant, the difference in performance over 24 hours begins adding up.
Not only does more power help, but powertrain design is also key. When looking at the Porsche 963’s powertrain, it’s a hybrid system which utilizes both an ICE and an electric motor. What’s more important is how the ICE powerplant along with the electric motor create an all-wheel drive (AWD) setup for the Porsche, allowing the car to have better acceleration and grip along with its chassis and aerodynamic enhancements.
Image 3: GTP class cars race each other at the Rolex 24 at Daytona (Image Courtesy of Nadia Zomorodian/The Daytona Beach News-Journal)
Future endurance races like the 2026 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours at Sebring will have the same race cars competing against each other if you want to see more endurance races in the future.
Bottom Line: The GTP class is the top endurance racing class due to advanced powertrain design and more sophisticated aerodynamics than what is observed in the LMP2 class
Image 4: The #93 Acura ARX-06 racing at the 2026 24 at Daytona (Image Courtesy of Nadia Zomorodian/The Daytona Beach News-Journal)
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