Le Mans-style racing: almost the last bastion of innovation?

[Aysedasi]

To be (largely - but not entirely) flippant, I'm happy with alternative fuels - I just wish the engines still made the same noise........

[roachy101]

i'm pretty sure there'll be some bio-ethanol cars in Le Mans this year

[AU N EGL]

Originally Posted by roachy101

i'm pretty sure there'll be some bio-ethanol cars in Le Mans this year

Dont think the ACO has allowed any this year.

Only two fuels, both supplyed by Shell, are allowed. One petrol one deisel.

I am wondering if the Pug will be able to use there Total deisel fuel vs the Mandated Shell diesel fuel.

http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/re...to2007_gb.html

[old man]

Take a look at this, as on "Sportscars and Global Warming"

http://cde.cerosmedia.com/ef900486dc...fee9f92635.cde

[JHamilton]

"The lack of technical interest and competition runs the risk of alienating the segment of the racing audience which cares as much – or more – about the cars as the drivers. They are among the hardest core racing enthusiasts, and a larger percentage of the fan base than many realize."

Hey, that's me!

[chewymonster]

Obviously the engines are very much restricted. Without restrictions they could make crazy power. Production engines aren't restricted at all. But without restrictions you wouldn't have nearly as much engine development.

BTW, Audi just introduced its latest diesel. 2-liters, 4 cylinders, 204 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. And it gets 40 mpg average in an all wheel drive vehicle. Not too shabby at all IMO. The engine uses 2,000 bar injection pressure. Previous engines used only 1,600 bar injection pressure. The R10 TDI has used 2,000+ for some time already. Dare I say Audi people could have learned something from the R10?

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_3077.shtml

VW/Audi 2.0T FSI gasoline engine makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. (260 hp in the high performance version) But uses 31% more fuel in the 200 hp version.

[minimangler]

the big issue with diesel biofeul etc- noise. if it dont sound like a petrol can, it just wont be the same

[Justin Moran]

Originally Posted by minimangler

the big issue with diesel biofeul etc- noise. if it dont sound like a petrol can, it just wont be the same

Not quite true, have you not heard the Barwell Aston? The No1 car is running on Bio ethanol and was so quick at Oulton in the first round of BGT that the FIA have investigated the fuel!? Its sounds just like its compatriots not too noisy but a nice sounding car if the silencers are removed!

[Bob Riebe]

Originally Posted by C9/89

Not quite true, have you not heard the Barwell Aston? The No1 car is running on Bio ethanol and was so quick at Oulton in the first round of BGT that the FIA have investigated the fuel!? Its sounds just like its compatriots not too noisy but a nice sounding car if the silencers are removed!

I have heard alcohol powered race cars since I was five years old, now why would anyone think they are quieter?
Slightly different sounding yes, but not quieter.

[Justin Moran]

Originally Posted by Bob Riebe

I have heard alcohol powered race cars since I was five years old, now why would anyone think they are quieter?
Slightly different sounding yes, but not quieter.

I think its only to do with the silly noise regs over here in the UK, I'm sure on straight headers the noise would be awsome! I mean the factory DBR9's sound wonderful but the BGT GT3 version DB9Rs' are alot quieter but the exhaust wail from these V12's is still identifiable as an Aston!

[chernaudi]

Yes they've said that, but they can't seem to get a big manufacturer to help them, and they don't have the money/resources to do it themselves right now.

[bil588]

"I might be totally wrong," Clarke remarks, "but I feel that the ALMS type of racing could be the motorsports of the future. You've got a combination of the frustration on the open-wheel side and I think there are some people who are just growing tired of NASCAR because it's basically the same old product no matter how they spin it. And the ALMS cars are sexy-looking, they're full of technology and they're fun to watch with a unique kind of racing that goes into the night with lights and driving in the rain--all that kind of stuff. These things all go through cycles and I think they are on the upside of their cycle."

http://www.gordonkirby.com/categorie...t_is_no45.html