Audi and Porsche have announced that it has entered into a partnership with Canadian firm Multimatic, which will see it develop the chassis for the German manufacturers’ joint LMDh project.
Multimatic, along with Ligier, Dallara and ORECA, is one of four exclusive chassis manufacturers for the new-for-2023 LMDh category.
The firm has previously constructed LMP2 machinery, was involved in the development and operation of the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing GTE programme.
It is currently responsible for the operation of Mazda’s DPi effort in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, which will come to an end at the end of the 2021 season.
With the development of Audi’s and Porsche’s LMDh prototypes happening as part of a joint project, Audi will also be using the Multimatic chassis for its return to top-level prototype racing.
“Multimatic is the most obvious and logical solution for us,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice President at Porsche Motorsport. “We have known this highly respected company and its team of experienced professionals for many years and are absolutely convinced of the quality of their work.
“We don’t have to set up a completely new business relationship with them, but can hit the ground running. That’s vital and is exactly what is needed when developing a new racing car. It is imperative that we eliminate friction losses to ensure that we are able to do a perfect job and deliver what is needed fast.
“There’s another factor of inestimable benefit: One part of Multimatic, like our team partner Penske, is based in Mooresville in North Carolina. Short distances and direct lines of communication will be of tremendous help in the development of the future LMDh prototype and in competition.”
Porsche has previously worked with Multimatic on a number of projects, delivering suspension components for a range of cars including the record-setting 919 Hybrid Evo and its 911 RSR GTE cars.
Multimatic currently also campaigns a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America series.
“This partnership with Porsche Motorsport is the culmination of thirty years of building our expertise in the area of competition vehicle engineering and development. It is a privilege to be chosen by Porsche for their next chapter in global hybrid prototype competition“, comments Larry Holt, Executive Vice President at Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations.
“The LMDh concept, and rules convergence between the FIA WEC and IMSA championships is unprecedented, and Multimatic’s commitment to the new model is all-in. The collaboration has already proven to be seamless and the enthusiasm of the team is palpable in every meeting.
“I am equally delighted with the recent Porsche Penske Motorsport announcement as we have enjoyed a long relationship with Roger Penske and his organization, as both collaborator and competitor. I can think of no better team, than our North Carolina neighbor, to campaign the new cars.”
British? Maybe a British subsidiary but I believe it is majority Canadian.
You’re right. I think they’ve got a UK base. But the company is Canadian.