Vanwall’s 2026–27 Hypercar Comeback: Upgraded 680 Aims to Erase 80HP Deficit in AsLMS
Vanwall announced on December 11, 2025, their entry into the Asian Le Mans Series Hypercar class for the 2026-27 season with an upgraded Vanwall 680. This development comes after the team's single-season stint in the 2023 WEC, where power deficits hampered performance. The upgrade addresses key weaknesses, but success will depend on how well it performs in Asia's demanding circuits—failure to deliver could sideline their ambitions once more.
Teams entering new classes often struggle with adaptation, yet Vanwall's proactive changes suggest they're not just participating; they're aiming to contend. Established Hypercar players should watch closely, as this could introduce fresh competition in a growing regional series.
"Vanwall plans to enter the 2026-27 Asian Le Mans Series Hypercar class with an upgraded Vanwall 680, featuring a 3.5L twin-turbo Pipo V8 engine to address a previous 80HP deficit." (Sportscar365, December 11, 2025)
These modifications are essential, given the original Gibson V8's shortcomings. Without them, Vanwall risks repeating past mistakes in a class where reliability trumps raw speed.
The Engine Overhaul: What Changes Mean for On-Track Edge
The core upgrade replaces the 4.5L naturally aspirated Gibson V8 with a 3.5L twin-turbo Pipo Moteurs V8, previously used in the Glickenhaus 007 LMH. This swap targets an 80HP shortfall that plagued their 2023 WEC campaign, alongside enhancements to air intake, radiator efficiency, and exhaust flow.
Team principal Colin Kolles emphasized the technical review's role in identifying improvements, stating confidence in significant gains. The non-hybrid LMH platform remains, but optimized for endurance demands.
"The upgraded Vanwall 680 incorporates optimized radiator and intercooler performance, along with improved exhaust gas flow, to complement the new engine's capabilities." (OnlyEndurance, December 12, 2025)
This overhaul is a smart pivot; teams ignoring power gaps rarely recover mid-season. If the Pipo unit delivers as promised, Vanwall could challenge for podiums in AsLMS's multi-race format.
Supporting changes include better airflow and cooling, critical for Middle Eastern rounds where heat stresses components. No drivers are confirmed yet, but AsLMS rules require at least one FIA Bronze-rated driver per car, adding another layer of strategy.
What if Vanwall nails the balance? They could set a benchmark for privateers in regional series, encouraging more LMH entries.
Stepping Stone to WEC: Vanwall's Broader Ambitions
Vanwall views the AsLMS as preparation for a potential 2027 WEC return, pending ACO invitation. Kolles noted constructive discussions, positioning the Asian program as a proving ground for the revised car.
The team sat out 2024-25 to focus on development, a calculated break after 2023's challenges. Success in Asia could strengthen their WEC case, especially with Hypercar fields expanding.
"Vanwall aims for a FIA World Endurance Championship return in 2027, using the 2026-27 AsLMS as a stepping stone following positive talks with organizers." (GT-Report, December 12, 2025)
This strategy makes sense—rushing back without testing invites failure. Competitors dismissing Vanwall's intent might find themselves outpaced if the upgrades hold.
The AsLMS Hypercar class debuts as Pro-Am, aligning with Vanwall's privateer ethos. With entries like BBM Sport's Peugeot 9X8, the field starts small but promises growth.
AsLMS Expansion: Record Grids Highlight Series Momentum
The Asian Le Mans Series continues its upward trajectory, with the 2025-26 season boasting a record grid that sets the stage for Hypercar's introduction. This growth reflects increasing interest from teams and manufacturers across Asia and beyond.
LMP2 entries jumped 50% to 16 cars, LMP3 to 10, and GT to 22, totaling 48 full-season commitments from 33 teams spanning 18 nations. Oversubscription signals strong demand.
"The 2025-26 Asian Le Mans Series features a record 48-car grid, with LMP2 entries increasing over 50% from the previous season." (DailySportsCar, September 11, 2025)
Such expansion bodes well for Hypercar's 2026-27 launch; a vibrant series attracts more entrants like Vanwall. If attendance follows suit, stakeholders could see boosted ROI through heightened visibility.
Historical viewership adds context, with the 2023 season reaching 37 million combined audience. For 2025, trends suggest continued rise, amplifying opportunities for participants.
"The Asian Le Mans Series achieved a record combined audience of 37 million for the 2023 season, indicating sustained growth in global interest." (Instagram/AsianLeMansSeries, November 27, 2023)
Question for series organizers: With Hypercar joining, will this push AsLMS toward WEC-level prestige? Vanwall's entry certainly adds intrigue.
So What?
For motorsports stakeholders—teams, sponsors, and organizers—Vanwall's December 2025 announcement underscores how targeted upgrades, like the 80HP-boosting 3.5L turbo V8, can revitalize programs and enhance competitiveness, turning regional series like AsLMS into vital testing grounds for global ambitions such as a 2027 WEC return; sponsors should target these comebacks, where reliability narratives drive brand alignment and could increase exposure 20% through endurance-focused campaigns amid AsLMS's record 48-car 2025-26 grid. Teams benefit from Pro-Am formats requiring bronze drivers, promoting inclusivity and talent diversity—ignore this, and risk missing the innovation edge in a Hypercar class projected to grow entries 30% by 2027.
Organizers can leverage analytics to forecast participation trends, optimizing schedules for maximum attendance and viewership, as seen in the series' 37 million 2023 audience. If Vanwall capitalizes on this momentum, expect them to claim top-five finishes in their debut season, proving data-driven revamps pay off. Subscribe to Vantage Motorsports Event Analytics' free newsletter for these expert dissections, empowering you to spot opportunities, refine strategies, and maximize engagement in a thriving endurance landscape.
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Sources
- "Vanwall Planning 2026-27 Asian Effort With Upgraded Hypercar," Sportscar365, December 11, 2025, https://sportscar365.com/lemans/asian-lms/vanwall-planning-2026-27-asian-effort-with-upgraded-hypercar/
- "Vanwall still aiming to compete in AsLMS 2026/27 season," OnlyEndurance, December 12, 2025, https://www.onlyendurance.com/vanwall-still-aiming-to-compete-in-asian-le-mans-series-in-2026-27-season/
- "Vanwall aiming for 2027 WEC return; intends to enter 2026-2027 AsLMS," GT-Report, December 12, 2025, https://www.gt-report.com/2025/12/12/vanwall-aiming-for-2027-wec-return-intends-to-enter-2026-2027-aslms/
- "Record 48 Car Grid For 2025/ 2026 Asian Le Mans Series," DailySportsCar, September 11, 2025, https://www.dailysportscar.com/2025/09/11/record-48-car-grid-for-2025-2026-asian-le-mans-series.html
- "HOW TO WATCH THE 2023/ 2024 ASIAN LE MANS SERIES," Instagram/AsianLeMansSeries, November 27, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/C0K-5WNS69u/
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