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LE MANS – 2012 CARS


Le Mans runners


Audi and Toyota have grabbed the headlines ahead of the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours, but the other teams have been hard at work developing their cars, too. We take a look at their work


BY ANDREW COTTON ZYTEK 07S


Although it has been through many names and a fair amount of development, the 2012-spec Zytek LMP1 and LMP2 designs retain the 2007 tub, which is built by British composites fi rm, EPM. The chassis is only ever mated to Zytek’s own in-house engine, including the Nissan LMP2 unit – a combination that won its class at Le Mans in 2011.


DELTAWING


The DeltaWing is not competing in any class, but is allowed to race as the ACO’s Garage 56 entry for technical innovation. It weighs 475kg and is powered by a 300bhp 1.6-litre, four cylinder, turbocharged engine, designed and built by British engineering fi rm, RML. Backing and technical support comes from Nissan, which provided the base unit for the engine which, like the gearbox, is non-stressed. The cockpit comes from the Aston Martin AMR-One, which had already passed the necessary crash tests. Two front tyres are just 4in wide, rears are 15in. Drag co-effi cient is 0.24. The differential features a variable torque steer / differential speed- controlled planetary fi nal drive reduction layout.


LOLA B08/60 and B08/80 coupés


PESCAROLO 01


Oak Racing took on the development and manufacture of the 2007 Pescarolo some time ago, and has spent a great deal of time and money bringing it up to modern standards. The aerodynamic development has been undertaken at Ruag Aerospace and has resulted in one of the most interesting cars on the grid. Much attention has been paid to very small details, suggesting that a signifi cant investment has been made. Pretty much every aspect of the car has been modifi ed, with only the tub remaining unchanged. For 2012, the Judd/BMW-powered LMP2 version of the car has been re-named Morgan in a title sponsorship deal.


Lola’s development follows that of the manufacturers, having shaved 40kg from last year’s car in preparation for running a KERS system in the gearbox bellhousing. The c of g has been moved forward, and there is a new fl oor, new aerodynamics and a new front end to cope better with the 18in front wheels. The front and rear suspension and bodywork surfaces are new, and the geometry is optimised for the larger tyres. ‘There was lots of FEA work on the body to take the weight out,’ says chief engineer Julian Sole. The Lola will be competing for honours against the petrol cars, but is hoping that a good result will encourage a buyer for the company, which went into voluntary administration at the end of May. The LMP2 version of the car has also received a signifi cant upgrade, and two Judd-powered examples are running Lotus branding, one of which is contesting the full WEC.


14 www.racecar-engineering.com • July 2012


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