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Porsche today disclosed early technical
information and images of the first prototype racecar it has designed
and constructed since the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans winning Porsche
911 GT1. The new model was commissioned by Porsche Cars North
America, Inc. (PCNA) and Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) for
racing customers who compete in the LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2) class
of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). It features a completely new
Porsche engine, transmission, and chassis, all incorporating the
latest in Porsche automotive technology and created to conform to new
2006 rules and regulations of international sanctioning body Automobil
Club de Ouest (ACO).
The heart of the new Porsche LMP2 is its newly-designed 3.4-liter,
90-degree, V8 engine. Limited to 480 horsepower at 10,100 rpm by ACO
air restrictor regulations, the power plant is lightweight with a very
low center of gravity. It features four valves per cylinder, a dry
sump lubrication system, and an air intake manifold with single
cylinder throttle valves.
The engine is mated to a Porsche-engineered sequential six-speed
constant mesh transmission. A structural part of the car, the gearbox
is operated by a paddle shift system on the steering wheel and
incorporates a triple-disc carbon fiber racing clutch.
Like the 1998 911 GT1 racecar and current Carrera GT street car, the
Porsche LMP2's monocoque chassis is constructed of carbon fiber.
Attached to this strong yet lightweight framework (built to the latest
safety standards of international road racing) is a front and rear
double-wishbone suspension with ball joints, adjustable front and rear
anti-roll bars, and four-way shock absorbers. For optimal stopping
performance, the braking system includes twin master cylinders,
adjustable brake balance, and internally vented carbon brake discs
(380 mm front and 355 mm rear). For driver comfort and safety, the new
prototype is equipped with power steering and a tire pressure control
system. An integral partner in the car's development process, Michelin
is supplying race tires for the new Porsche prototype.
Similar to modern aircraft construction, the bodywork is comprised of
carbon fiber reinforced by Kevlar composites. Incorporating an
adjustable rear wing, it has been created for maximum aerodynamic
efficiency and the lowest possible weight and replacement cost.
Considering the car is intended for customer teams, its LMP2 mandated
weight of 1,653 lbs. or 750 kgs. was achieved through an integrated
lightweight design rather than the mere use of expensive and exotic
materials.
Penske Motorsports, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Racing,
Inc., will field the new Porsche prototype in its first full season of
competition exclusively in 2006. It is anticipated they will debut the
new Porsche prototype at the final two races of the 2005 ALMS season,
the Oct. 1st Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta and the Oct. 16th season
finale at Laguna Seca, as test events before entering the entire 2006
season.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and
its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers
of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne╝ sport utility vehicles for the
United States and Canada.
A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG,
PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles,
parts, service, marketing and training for its 207 U.S. and Canadian
dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class
service.
Porsche
Racing Official Site
Porsche Official Site
Penske
Racing
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