The Le Mans General Discussion Thread

[Snaeper]

Lol!! Still a bit confusing, looks like it'll stay pretty much the same. GT-AM will have inferior equipment("kit") while GT-E will get all the new shinny parts!
They'll be using the same car but using different packages for GT-AM and GT-E.

I took it more along the lines of both getting new parts, but the manufacturers get more expensive, shinier parts.

In all honesty though, it'd be pretty exciting to see two global GT classes eligible for almost any and all races, and have Le Mans be the endurance mecca for all the winners of endurance races around the world. Imagine the winning privateer teams from Dubai, Bathurst, Daytona, Spa, Silverstone, etc. all converging on the next Le Mans due to an auto invite for the "GT" class, while you have all the major manufacturers in the WEC "GT+" class, and then LMP1's and P2's doing their thing in the WEC as well.

 

[Jav]

I took it more along the lines of both getting new parts, but the manufacturers get more expensive, shinier parts.

Yes, that's what I meant. What it probably means(my take) is that the AM teams will have a base package that will remain frozen in regards to development while the factory teams will continue to develop trough the whole year...

 

[freshseth83]

Toyota getting ready for their car reveal tomorrow (late tonight).

 

[SagarisGTB]

http://www.endurance-info.com/version2/actualite-endurance-15933.html

Looks like the 2014 Dome S103 will be built for both LMP1 and LMP2, and Dome hopes to supply customer cars for both P1 and P2 teams. They hope to release images of the new car in three months.

Can't wait for the new Dome; hopefully there will be a factory effort and they can get a good engine supplier.

 

[hawkeye122]

Maybe Pescarolo can take a whack at running it? Oh wait...

 

[Snaeper]

Maybe Pescarolo can take a whack at running it? Oh wait...

Maybe not the team, but Pescarolo himself can certainly assist. He's also supposedly still got a facility for someone to use should they need it. I don't see why Dome and him couldn't form an alliance.

Yes, that's what I meant. What it probably means(my take) is that the AM teams will have a base package that will remain frozen in regards to development while the factory teams will continue to develop trough the whole year...

Exactly! The "GT+" cars would be developed on top of starting off on a slightly higher level anyways. "GT" cars would not be developed, but would be able to receive performance adjustments via regulatory body approval, should one car be too slow, or another too fast.

 

[freshseth83]

New TS030!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589845851028105.140922.285254441487249&type=1
http://www.toyotahybridracing.com/toyota-racing-reveals-updated-ts030-hybrid-for-2013/

 

[freshseth83]

And a video

 

[Bram Turismo]

I think they are still hiding a lot of extra details. The entire front looks like the pre-season TS030 last year, which probably means they will come with a developed front of what already was an advanced front aero last year. I'm also not seeing the double rear wing endplates yet. My guess is these guys have a lot of aero tricks which they'll probably keep secret until Le Mans.

It sounds incredible as always, though. It revs so beautifully!

 

[freshseth83]

They were probably testing LeMans spec aero. Don't wanna give too much away just yet.

 

[Azure Flare]

Other than the slightly different nose, I can't see any real difference, but we all can assume the differences are in the details.

 

[Jav]

Blah!! No Toyota at Sebring = lame!!

 

[freshseth83]

Blah!! No Toyota at Sebring = lame!!

When Sebring is on the WEC schedule, they'll go. Until then, Toyota sees there's no reason. As for calling it a test, they can test in France all they want at Paul Ricard.

 

[Jav]

When Sebring is on the WEC schedule, they'll go. Until then, Toyota sees there's no reason. As for calling it a test, they can test in France all they want at Paul Ricard.

I find that very insulting Seth, I'm offended!! They should be very well aware that Sebring is the only race I'll be attending!! Audi get's it!!

 

[freshseth83]

I'd like them to go there as well, but I'm not in charge of their LMP project . At least they'll be in Austin later this year.

 

[cnd01]

I'd like them to go there as well, but I'm not in charge of their LMP project . At least they'll be in Austin later this year.

I don't know anyone who could be sad that wec is coming to Austin.

 

[gtone339]

New TS030!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589845851028105.140922.285254441487249&type=1
http://www.toyotahybridracing.com/toyota-racing-reveals-updated-ts030-hybrid-for-2013/

A much revised TS030! Go Toyota! 👍

Comparison between the 2012 & 2013 version:

 

[freshseth83]

They're testing currently, and it looks like they're trying a new headlight cluster.

 

[gtone339]

^ Testing out an all new LED headlights?

 

[freshseth83]

You be the judge!-

 

[hawkeye122]

Aren't those the ones they used in testing last year

 

[gtone339]

^ Audi-esque LED headlights?

 

[IforceV8]

The opening on the nose a F-Duct perhaps?

 

[Earth]

The Toyota nose looks like the low drag Peugeot 908 nose from 2009. It was the improved nose that helped Peugeot match Audi in fuel mileage in 2009. Toyota was behind Audi in fuel mileage in 2012, this new low drag nose should help them close the gap

 

[freshseth83]

The Toyota nose looks like the low drag Peugeot 908 nose from 2009. It was the improved nose that helped Peugeot match Audi in fuel mileage in 2009. Toyota was behind Audi in fuel mileage in 2012, this new low drag nose should help them close the gap

Toyota was behind Audi in economy because they use Petrol fuel and not Diesel. 👍 The hybrid isn't a 'range extender' it's a 'performance enhancer'.

The opening on the nose a F-Duct perhaps?

F-Ducts are illegal in LMP's.

 

[freshseth83]

New Porsche 991 GTE breaks cover testing at Sebring- http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/le-mans-porsche-991-breaks-cover

 

[gtone339]

DOME : RETURN IN 2014 !

link: http://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/dome-return-in-2014-_9892.html

Dome are actively preparing to return in 2014 with a prototype that meets the new regulations. Seen occasionally in La Sarthe since 1979, the manufacturer often produces competitive machines, although the S102 was not as successful as its potential foreshadowed when it was released in 2008.

Hiroshi Fushida (Dome Cars Limited) : "We have completed initial wind tunnel tests with current S102.5 model (ex-Pescarolo) and the substantial wind tunnel test program will commence within a month with a new model comply with 2014 regulations. We would hope that we could release images of a new LMP1/2 car within three months or so. DOME will be more than happy to supply LMP1/2 cars to teams, DOME's own participation in 2014 would be depends on our corporate sponsors."

 

[Shoe67]

I don't see it being any different from 2008. They will show up, but not be able to challenge Audi, Toyota, or any other other high dollar teams.

 

[freshseth83]

They're looking for a tie up with a manufacturer. It will be that and/or a customer car for P1 and P2.

 

[Jav]

Toyota was behind Audi in economy because they use Petrol fuel and not Diesel. 👍 The hybrid isn't a 'range extender' it's a 'performance enhancer'.

F-Ducts are illegal in LMP's.

See Seth!! Porsche gets it!!!