WM P88
| Industry | Motorsport engineering, Automotive racing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Gérard Welter, Michel Meunier |
| Headquarters | Thorigny-sur-Marne , France |
| Products | Sports prototype racing vehicles |
The Welter-Meunier P88 is a Group C sports prototype racing vehicle engineered by the French outfit Welter Racing exclusively for the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans. Designed in accordance with FIA technical standards, it is renowned for achieving the highest speed ever recorded at the Circuit de la Sarthe, reaching .
History
Peugeot engineers Gerard Welter and Michel Meunier constructed their inaugural race car in 1969 by modifying a Peugeot 204 frame, which they designated the WM P69. Their engagement in motorsport intensified, culminating in their first Le Mans entry in 1976 with a GTP-class prototype powered by an adapted Peugeot PRV engine. Despite commendable efforts, their vehicles found it challenging to compete with the dominant Group C cars from 1982 onward.
Following the 1986 Le Mans event, Welter and Meunier redirected their efforts and resources toward an ambitious goal: breaking the 400 km/h barrier along the Hunaudières straight. The WM P88 emerged as an advancement of earlier designs, reflecting their persistent drive for innovation within their modest French workshop located in Thorigny Sur Marne.
Design
Beginning with the 1986 WM P87, the aluminium monocoque chassis was altered by integrating box-shaped extensions at the front and sides to accommodate a considerably broader body. The suspension system remained conventionally independent. The aerodynamic bodywork, developed utilizing Peugeot’s wind tunnel—which also provided the engine—was widened to cover the wheels, diminishing drag and enhancing airflow to the intercoolers through ducts originating from the nose beneath the front suspension. In line with Group C regulations, ground effect principles were employed to generate downforce; this was achieved by extending both the wheelbase and Venturi tunnels relative to its predecessor, thereby optimizing aerodynamic performance. The majority of downforce was derived from underbody aerodynamics, supplemented by a front splitter and a substantial rear wing to maintain balance.
Thanks to Welter-Meunier’s close collaboration with Peugeot—where Gérard Welter eventually became Director of the Peugeot Style Centre—they accessed highly tuned variants of the PRV V6 engine. The P87 utilized a 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 capable of producing up to 850 hp at peak boost.
Leveraging insights from the P87, the 1988 WM P88 was developed in partnership with French coachbuilder Heuliez. It was refined and lightened by approximately 65 kg, fitted with redesigned rear suspension permitting larger Venturi tunnels, and powered by an enlarged engine delivering as much as 900 hp.
Racing history
During preparations for racing, the P87 encountered engine management difficulties that prevented it from completing successive laps during pre-race testing despite reaching speeds of 356 km/h. Once these issues were addressed, driver François Migault showcased its capabilities by attaining 416 km/h during a June 1987 demonstration on the newly opened A26 motorway.
At Le Mans, engine damage caused by substandard fuel led to retirement even though speed sensors from ACO recorded a top velocity of 381 km/h; however, the team maintained that their own measurements had met performance objectives.
In qualifying for 1988, the P88 achieved speeds up to 387 km/h, though official radar readings were lower due to sensor placement; subsequently, a new tachometer radar system was installed. During the race itself, mechanical complications limited performance: the P87 retired after just 13 laps due to transmission failure; meanwhile, the P88 underwent more than three hours of pit repairs addressing engine and bodywork issues before rejoining with Roger Dorchy behind the wheel. Once allowed to raise turbo pressure, Dorchy maintained speeds exceeding 400 km/h across multiple laps, recording a peak speed of 407 km/h. Peugeot leveraged this feat in marketing campaigns promoting their new 405 Sedan by advertising a top speed of 405 km/h. Unfortunately, excessive engine strain caused failures in electrical systems, cooling components, and turbochargers that ultimately forced withdrawal from competition.
Subsequent years
For the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans, the French manufacturer fielded two vehicles: updated versions of the P87 and P88 models, renamed as P489, featuring a redesigned rear wing. The team's focus shifted from pursuing speed records to simply completing the endurance event. During qualifying, they still managed to reach speeds of 388 km/h. Unfortunately, in testing, prototype #51 was severely damaged by fire and could not be repaired, while Pascal Pessiot’s #52 experienced a rear tire blowout but remained controllable. Ultimately, only #52 participated in the race but had to retire due to engine failure near the Mulsanne corner, which was followed by a fire. This event marked Welter-Meunier’s final season before the partners dissolved their company at the end of the year.
After its racing career, the WM P88 became part of the Heuliez collection and was later auctioned in 2012 during a period of corporate reorganization. The P88 was sold without its record-setting engine, which is believed to have been retained by Gérard Welter.
The exceptionally high speeds attained by WM and other prototypes prompted the FIA and ACO to introduce two chicanes on the Hunaudières straight at Le Mans in 1990, effectively preventing cars from exceeding 400 km/h on that portion of the track in future races.