The Ligier JS2 RS: Ligier Automotive's new GT racing car

Ligier Automotive unveiled its new Ligier JS2 RS a few days ago, succeeding the JS2 R launched in 2018. Inspired by the legendary JS2 from the 1970s, this new “all-carbon” GT is designed for endurance and performance while retaining the strengths of the JS2 R (controlled cost, reliability, driving pleasure). The JS2 RS is built on a carbon monocoque chassis homologated FIA E II-SC and compliant with the LMP3 2025 static tests, a much more modern setup than the JS2 R’s tubular frame + fiberglass body.

The car features a roll cage and Zylon side protection for driver safety, along with a front crash box; the cockpit includes an FIA racing seat, heated windshield, and ventilated interior. It weighs 1,150 kg, which is about 100 kg more than the JS2 R (≈1,055 kg) due to the more robust structure 💪

The Ligier JS2 RS retains the sharp lines and GT styling of the JS2 R while adopting a carbon monocoque body and a prominent rear wing 😲

The onboard electronics have been modernized: the JS2 RS is equipped with a MoTeC M142 ECU, adjustable Bosch ABS, and a tunable traction control system. Power steering is hydraulic for added comfort. Braking is handled by Brembo steel calipers (6 pistons front, 4 rear) with 380 mm front discs and 355 mm rear discs. In terms of aerodynamics, the new design includes a front splitter, a flat floor, and a carbon rear diffuser to maximize downforce on the track 😎

Ligier JS2 RS: Technical Specs (at a glance)

These specifications make the JS2 RS a true endurance GT race car, combining high performance with modern safety standards 🔥

What are the upgrades compared to the Ligier JS2 R?

The Ligier JS2 R (2018) was already designed exclusively for the track, with a tubular chassis and a fiberglass body. Its naturally aspirated 3.7 L Ford V6 (3536 cm³) delivered 350 hp, with a 6-speed sequential gearbox (3MO) and adjustable double wishbone suspension. In comparison, the JS2 RS takes a huge leap forward: carbon monocoque, twin-turbo engine, and more than double the power 🤪

👉 To learn more about the previous version, check out our full article on the Ligier JS2R on GoToTheGrid 📰

Jacques Nicolet (president of Ligier) summed it up: “With the Ligier JS2 RS, we wanted to go further in terms of performance while keeping what made the JS2 R so successful: an affordable, reliable car that's fun to drive for all enthusiasts, especially gentleman drivers.”

In practical terms, the JS2 RS gains around 300 extra horsepower thanks to its 3.5 L turbo engine (650 hp vs 350 hp). Safety features have been upgraded (carbon monocoque, crash box, roll cage), and modern electronics (ABS, ECU, traction control) give drivers more control during races. The car also introduces hydraulic power steering (vs electric on the JS2 R) and braking optimized for 24-hour races (Brembo steel calipers). All of these upgrades make the JS2 RS an “extreme” version of the JS2 R, designed for intensive endurance racing ⏱️

Ligier JS2 R 🆚 JS2 RS Comparison

This table highlights the key differences: the JS2 RS stands out with its carbon monocoque chassis, much more powerful turbocharged engine, and a more advanced race-ready package than the JS2 R.

ℹ️ All technical details and the brochure for the new Ligier JS2 RS are available here on the Ligier Automotive website.

And the final price, with options? 🤔

While the base price announced for the JS2 RS is €255,000 excl. VAT, the final cost can quickly rise depending on the selected options. Ligier offers a wide range of additional equipment designed for endurance and driving comfort:

• Air conditioning
• Full carbon bodywork
• Rear-view camera
• Passenger seat
• TPMS kit with 4 valves and activation
• Pneumatic jack system (airjacks)
• Data acquisition kit
• GPS + telemetry
• Double quick refueling kit (ATL)
• Lap trigger
• Onboard drink system (drink kit)
• Radio relay

ℹ️ A fully equipped JS2 RS for 24-hour endurance racing could therefore exceed €300,000 excl. VAT, depending on the configuration. At this price point, it remains below a GT3, but above a standard GT4.

Competitions and championships

As of now, Ligier has not yet announced a one-make championship for the JS2 RS, unlike the JS2 R which competes in the Ligier European Series, a one-make championship dedicated to Ligier JS2 R (and JS P4) within ELMS race weekends. However, with its carbon chassis, powerful engine and endurance-oriented design, the JS2 RS is clearly aimed at long-format events like the Trophée Tourisme Endurance (TTE), the Ultimate Cup Series, the 24H Series, Creventic, or other open GT endurance races 👍

Ligier notes that the car is eligible for many championships, especially thanks to its homologation in the FIA E II-SC class, which could open doors to club or GT series internationally. The JS2 RS is therefore aimed at drivers looking to step up to more demanding and longer racing formats 🚀

Ligier's ambitions and the target audience

With the JS2 RS, Ligier Automotive is strengthening its range of “GT” race cars. The aim is to revive the JS2 lineage with a more high-performance and technologically advanced model, while continuing to develop the classic JS2 R. The brand has always strived to offer affordable and reliable cars: the JS2 R was designed “for gentleman drivers as well as pros”, at a lower cost than more expensive GT4 models 💸

As Jacques Nicolet, president of Ligier, points out, the goal was to “push performance even further while keeping what made the JS2 R successful: an affordable, reliable, and fun-to-drive car for all enthusiasts, especially gentleman drivers.” The JS2 RS thus embodies Ligier’s vision of a “modern GT,” blending technology, safety, and performance. This strategy is intended to appeal to a broad audience (amateur drivers, gentleman drivers, young club talents) while offering Ligier customers a step up in the sport-prototype ladder. In particular, the JS2 R’s accessibility had already made it “an ideal choice for gentleman drivers and young racers,” thanks to its reliability and simplified operation. The JS2 RS now targets passionate competitors looking to progress, offering a car ready for endurance 😎

ℹ️ A fun fact: many enthusiasts would love to see a road-legal version of this Ligier JS2 RS, as its design and on-paper performance are incredibly appealing.

Also read: “All you need to know about LMP3 : performance and pricing”

Upcoming upgrades for the Ligier JS2 R! 🎉

With the arrival of the RS version, Ligier is not sidelining its JS2 R—quite the opposite. The manufacturer is planning several upgrades to reinforce the reliability and extend the competitiveness of the model in its one-make championships 👌

Starting in 2025, new JS2 R chassis will be delivered with a 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine, replacing the Ford 3.7 L block whose production ended in late 2023. This change will become mandatory from 2028 in the Ligier JS Cup France and Ligier European Series, or in case of engine failure before that date.

At the same time, several technical improvements will be introduced starting in 2026: a new braking system with racing calipers, reinforced uprights, and optimized lubrication for the 3MO gearbox.

ℹ️ These upgrades will be mandatory in competition starting in the 2026 season, but a transition period is planned through 2027.

Ligier is also offering a new “endurance” gearbox developed by Sadev, available as an option. It won’t be mandatory in the championships but could appeal to teams targeting longer races.

Finally, in case of mixed grids featuring JS2 R cars with different configurations (3.5 L or 3.7 L, 3MO or Sadev gearbox), a Balance of Performance (BoP) will be implemented to ensure fair competition ⚖️

It’s also worth noting that a 2.3 L Ford turbo engine project is being discussed by some sources for the coming years, although it has not yet been officially confirmed. This unit, derived from the EcoBoost range, could offer additional performance and open the door to further technical developments for the JS2 R.

With the JS2 RS, Ligier delivers an ambitious step up while keeping the JS2 R’s accessible DNA, entering a new era that’s more powerful, more advanced… and more race-focused than ever 🏁