Nova Proto NP02: The Perfect Balance Between Budget and Performance

Endurance racing on circuits is structured around different categories of prototypes, mainly LMP3, LMP2, as well as higher classes such as LMH and LMDh. At a more modest level, there are also interesting categories like the CN category. However, an intermediate option is sought by many teams and drivers looking to combine high performance with a reasonable budget.

The Nova NP02 meets this need by positioning itself between CN prototypes and the LMP3 category. Presented at the end of 2021 by the company Nova Proto, this French race car offers a financially attractive alternative while maintaining a very high level of competitiveness 💪

Introduction to Nova Proto

Nova Proto is a French family-owned company, inheriting the legacy of the brand Norma Auto Concept, well-known in the world of motorsport.

Based in Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre in the Hautes-Pyrénées region and managed by Guillem Roux and Camille Gautré Santos (daughter of Norbert Santos, founder of Norma), Nova Proto has stood out thanks to its reliable and high-performance models, particularly in the CN and E2SC categories, which are very popular in Europe 🌍

With the NP02, the company aims to explore new horizons and offer an alternative with an unbeatable price/performance/fun ratio, whether for competition or leisure on trackdays.

Beyond its technical specifications, the NP02 has already proven its capabilities in the Ultimate Cup Series, where it has effectively competed with LMP3 cars since its launch.

Its arrival comes with great promises and an especially exciting prospect: the organization, starting in 2025, of a championship entirely dedicated to the NP02 within the Ultimate Cup, named the European Endurance Prototype Cup 😎

Nova Proto NP02: The Price

Investing in a racing prototype remains a significant financial commitment 💰

The Nova NP02 occupies a niche market where costs remain high. However, it is essential to put this into perspective: the purchase price of an NP02 is significantly lower than that of an LMP3 car or even GT cars in the GT4 or GT3 categories, for example 😉

The main advantage of the NP02 lies in its quality/price/performance ratio, making it particularly appealing. The new price is €194,000 excluding VAT, not including minor options. Options such as a two-seater kit, a GPS data acquisition system, or suspension sensors are offered as extras.

This pricing makes it especially attractive for drivers and teams looking to combine performance and a reasonable budget without compromising competitiveness on the track.

For those with a more modest budget or who want to try the NP02 without immediately investing in a new version, the second-hand market can offer interesting opportunities. However, since the NP02 is relatively new, the number of available units remains very limited.

A second-hand NP02 in good condition can be negotiated for around €140,000 to €150,000 excluding VAT, depending on its history, onboard equipment, mileage of various components, revisions carried out, etc.

ℹ️ If you’re looking for a car to buy or rent, you can check out the sports prototype ads currently available on GoToTheGrid.

Nova Proto also offers technical support and personalized assistance, ensuring optimal support for teams and owners 👌

Additionally, renting is an interesting solution for drivers wishing to reduce initial costs. Renting an NP02 allows one to enjoy its performance without the significant investment of purchasing.

This option provides appreciated flexibility to test the car or participate in occasional competitions, while simplifying logistical and financial management. Furthermore, renting eliminates the concerns related to the maintenance and operation of a prototype at this level, allowing drivers to fully focus on performance 💪

Renting an NP02: How Much Does It Cost?

If you’re looking to rent a seat in an NP02, plan for around €300,000 excluding VAT for a full season in the Ultimate Cup Series with a professional team. Since these are endurance races, this budget is divided among the crew, which consists of 2 to 3 drivers. This amounts to approximately €100,000 excluding VAT per driver for a full season with a three-driver crew 🙂

Rental rates can vary depending on the services included, such as insurance, the number of tires, or testing sessions. These details should be discussed directly with the team to tailor the contract to your specific needs.

Technical Specifications of the Nova NP02

The Nova NP02 is powered by a production-based Ford V8 engine capable of delivering up to 515 horsepower, but here restricted to around 420 horsepower. This configuration provides robust power suitable for endurance racing while promoting reliability. The maximum announced speed is approximately 255 km/h 💨

The transmission features a six-speed sequential gearbox from SADEV, offering fast and precise gear changes thanks to an advanced electronic system with paddle shifters.

ℹ️ For maintenance, the manufacturer recommends an engine overhaul every 200 hours of use and a gearbox overhaul every 50 hours.

The carbon fiber monocoque chassis provides excellent rigidity and safety, reinforced by Zylon panels compliant with FIA standards. The optimized aerodynamics, including a front splitter, flat underbody, and rear diffuser, generate significant downforce, improving stability and cornering speed. Notably, as seen in the photos, the NP02 is a closed prototype.

The double-wishbone suspension, equipped with adjustable spring-damper units, allows the car to be adapted to different track configurations based on driver preferences. The AP Racing brakes feature ventilated discs and six-piston calipers, delivering formidable deceleration. Finally, the car is equipped with 18-inch tires.

With an empty weight of 840 kg, the NP02 boasts a competitive power-to-weight ratio, enabling it to effectively compete with LMP3 cars. This lightness, combined with refined aerodynamics, contributes to its growing success in endurance and sprint events.

Onboard Camera in NP02 at Portimão Circuit 🔥

The NP02 in Ultimate Cup Series: A Growing Success

The NP02 made its competitive debut in the Ultimate Cup Series, a European championship hosting categories such as GT, single-seaters, and prototypes. From the outset, the NP02 stood out, with some drivers managing to compete with, or even outperform, LMP3 cars that have been established for several seasons.

To balance performance, a sort of Balance of Performance (BoP) was implemented. The ride height was slightly raised, and the power reduced, improving reliability while maintaining the driving pleasure that this prototype is known for.

By the end of 2024, only two years after the official launch of the NP02, there were already around twenty Nova Proto prototypes entered in each race of the Ultimate Cup Series with teams like ANS Motorsport, Graff Racing, Racing Spirit of Léman, LAMO RACING, DB AUTOSPORT, EXTREME LIMITE, CD SPORT, MV2S RACING, and COGEMO. Thirty NP02 cars are expected for 2025, promising a highly competitive and exciting championship 🤩

There are several reasons behind this success. Firstly, the NP02 offers a very attractive performance-to-cost ratio. Teams considering entering endurance racing often look towards LMP3, but the NP02 positions itself as a more affordable alternative, both in purchase price and maintenance. Secondly, its ultra-modern chassis and aerodynamics allow it to achieve competitive lap times, especially on twisty circuits where agility and lightness make a difference.

Indeed, with 100 kg less than an LMP3, it is easier to handle, though the driving experience differs due to its weight distribution and aerodynamic characteristics. An LMP3, on the other hand, will be faster in sectors where maintaining high speed is crucial.

See also: "All you need to know about LMP3 : performance and pricing"

Important note: In case of damage, repairing an NP02 will also cost significantly less 💸

In 2022 and 2023, several Ultimate Cup Series races were won by NP02 cars, proving that the prototype is not just there to make up the numbers. The teams running it highlight its reliability and ease of handling, essential qualities that attract all types of drivers, including Gentlemen Drivers.

A Dedicated NP02 Championship in 2025: A Key Milestone

Building on its results and the enthusiasm it has generated, the NP02 will reach a new milestone in 2025: the Ultimate Cup Series is planning to organize a championship entirely dedicated to the Nova NP02, a testament to how this prototype has convinced officials and met the paddock’s expectations.

See also: "Ultimate Cup Series: 2025 Calendar and Updates"

An Attractive One-Make Category

Creating a championship specifically for the NP02 offers many advantages. First, sporting fairness is ensured: with a single make of car, drivers and teams all have the same technical base. The differences will then come down to setup, strategy, and, of course, driving talent.

One-make championships are generally highly competitive, providing quality entertainment for spectators and allowing drivers to truly showcase their skills 👍

A Stepping Stone to Other Categories

For many drivers and teams, the NP02 can also serve as the ideal stepping stone for progressing to higher-level categories. After mastering a prototype of this caliber, it becomes easier to move on to LMP3, LMP2, or even the new hypercar categories. With its lower costs and ease of maintenance, the NP02 provides a perfect learning platform before climbing the motorsport ladder.

A Commercial Opportunity for Nova Proto

For the French company, this dedicated championship is an important commercial and media opportunity. It will serve as a premium showcase for the brand, promote its expertise, and, most importantly, help sell new chassis. Nova Proto will also be able to provide localized support to its clients, offer spare parts, and deliver comprehensive assistance. This will build trust among drivers and teams and enhance the brand's international reputation.

As of now, more than 36 NP02 units have already been produced ⚒️

Other Competitions Where the NP02 Can Race

In addition to the Ultimate Cup Series, the Nova NP02 is also eligible for other endurance championships such as TTE (Trophée Tourisme Endurance), the SuperCar Challenge, Creventic events, the 24H Series, and the upcoming International Sports Car Championship, announced for late 2025/early 2026.

These diverse competitions allow drivers and teams to maximize the use of the NP02 on different types of circuits and in various championships worldwide.

Conclusion: The NP02, a Promising Future in Endurance Racing

In just a few years, the Nova NP02 has established itself as a standalone prototype capable of competing with well-established categories in endurance racing. Offered at a relatively affordable price compared to other prototypes, equipped with an impressive technical specification, and supported by the expertise of Nova Proto (formerly Norma), the NP02 ticks many boxes for drivers and teams seeking performance and reliability.

Its successes in the Ultimate Cup Series prove that this model has secured its place on the grid, to the extent that a one-make championship will be dedicated to it starting in 2025. This initiative is expected to further increase team interest in the NP02 while delivering exciting and fair sporting action 😋

Thus, the NP02 perfectly embodies the evolution of motorsport toward more accessible and innovative solutions. Positioned between LMP3 and the CN category, it fills a gap and allows more drivers to compete at a high level. Nova Proto, for its part, is firmly establishing itself as a major player in prototype construction. With its passion, expertise, and commitment, there is no doubt that the NP02 will continue to make headlines in the years to come.

In summary, for all endurance racing enthusiasts, the NP02 is a perfect example of what the French industry excels at in terms of engineering and innovation. Accessible, competitive, and backed by comprehensive support, it promises thrilling battles on the track and a bright future in European championships and beyond. If you’re looking for a new prototype to follow or acquire, the Nova Proto NP02 is undoubtedly one of the most attractive options right now 😍

PS: Special thanks to Nova Proto for their help in drafting this article. Click here to visit the official Nova Proto website.