Peugeot Confirms 9X8 Evolution for 2027 and Will Stay in WEC Through 2029

Overview

• Peugeot confirmed Thursday that it is developing an evolution of its 9X8 Hypercar aimed at the 2027 season and formally committed to remain in the FIA World Endurance Championship through the 2029 season.
• The decision follows a mixed 2026 campaign that included strong pace and a pole at Spa and good runs at Imola but a disappointing Le Mans where the two 9X8s finished 11th and 12th, several laps down.
• Peugeot has already used its initial allocation of five Evo 'jokers' and plans to request additional Evo authorizations made possible by a 2026 WEC rule change that allows extra updates for cars with a demonstrated performance shortfall.
• How the 2027 evolution will be homologated — as further Evo jokers or a fresh homologation — is an administrative choice for the FIA and the ACO, not the manufacturer, and Peugeot says it will keep the 9X8 name rather than build an entirely new car for the current rules cycle.
• The program faces near-term pressure to improve results and longer-term uncertainty from the planned 2030 unified Hypercar rules, which could change technical priorities and influence how Peugeot and its engineers choose upgrades and investment levels.