A Legendary Race, A Bold Journey

On June 23, 2024, the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb took place in Colorado, USA—a legendary event that pushes drivers and their vehicles to the ultimate limit. Known as "The Race to the Clouds," this iconic time trial spans 19.99 kilometers, climbing from 2,860 meters to 4,302 meters over 156 turns.

This year, Quarkus proudly represented French automotive innovation with the Quarkus P3 Pikes Peak Edition, a lightweight supercar engineered for both the track and the road. With Bruce Jouanny at the wheel and Dynas+ Group as a key technical partner, this adventure epitomized collaboration, innovation, and resilience.

Quarkus P3: A Masterpiece of Engineering

The Quarkus P3 Pikes Peak Edition is more than just a race car—it’s a symbol of innovation and ambition. Designed and built in just four months, this prototype features groundbreaking engineering to handle the unique challenges of Pikes Peak, including high altitudes, tight corners, and extreme gradients.

Key Specifications:

• 330 HP Hybrid Powertrain: A 1000cc thermal engine generating 280 HP coupled with a 50 HP electric motor, delivering peak performance.
• Ultra-Lightweight Design: At 650 kg, the chassis incorporates 90% carbon fiber, 5% Kevlar, and a 100% carbon fiber body for maximum agility.
• Road Homologation: Despite its race-ready design, the P3 is homologated for road use, showcasing its versatility and innovation.

Quote from Bruce Jouanny:
"The Quarkus P3 embodies the ethos of 'Light is Right,' proving that a lightweight, precision-engineered car can conquer one of the world’s toughest races."

Dynas+ Group: Driving Innovation with DEP MeshWorks

As a proud partner of Quarkus, the Dynas+ Group played a crucial role in optimizing the Quarkus P3 for Pikes Peak.

Our Contributions:

• Chassis Optimization: Using DEP MeshWorks, we created and refined predictive models to ensure the P3 could handle the extreme forces of Pikes Peak's elevation changes and tight corners.
• Aerodynamics: High-altitude conditions demand unparalleled aerodynamic efficiency. Our team used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize the P3's design for stability and performance.
• Data Correlation: The race provided valuable data to compare our simulations with real-world performance, laying the groundwork for future refinements.

A Collaborative Effort

The Pikes Peak journey was a testament to teamwork and passion. Alongside Dynas+ Group, the Quarkus team was supported by:

• MOTION Engineering France
• TRELEC Industries
• DEP MeshWorks, as a sponsor and critical tool for design and optimization.

The Race Experience

The week leading up to the race was intense and demanding. Early morning trial runs divided into three sectors were crucial for qualification. Despite challenges, including a mechanical issue during one trial, the Quarkus P3 became a fan favorite, with its unique design and 13,000 RPM engine captivating spectators.

While the final race ended prematurely due to gearbox issues, the team's determination and the car's promising performance were undeniable.

Quote from Bruce Jouanny:
"Sometimes winning is about more than crossing the finish line first. It’s about building something greater—a vision for the future of French automotive engineering."

A Step Forward for French Innovation

The Quarkus P3’s participation in Pikes Peak marks the dawn of a new era for French automotive design. The lessons learned and the data gathered will fuel future developments, ensuring that Quarkus remains a trailblazer in lightweight, high-performance vehicles.

Join the Adventure

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was not just a race; it was an unforgettable journey of innovation, perseverance, and collaboration.

• Learn more about our role in the Quarkus P3 Project on our Technical publication page.
• Discover how DEP MeshWorks is transforming the automotive industry—request a demo today.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in this partnership on our News Page.