New Porsche prototype (merged threads)

[paul-collins]

They had better focus on it - their domination is by no means a slam dunk...

[awegrzyn]

http://www.mulsannescorner.com/anonymousproto-1.jpg

[jhansen]

Are you trying to say that is the Porsche LMP2?

It's one of Mulsanne Mike's guess the car contest. Could be anything.

The last contest I remember ended up being this:

http://www.mulsannescorner.com/march92s.html

[awegrzyn]

Let me give you a hint, look at the mirrors.

[fausto]

it's too simple to be a contemporary car, and not very hi-tech, we'll see.....

[fausto]

Originally Posted by awegrzyn

Let me give you a hint, look at the mirrors.

Crawford, Fabcar?

[jhansen]

Whatever it is, it looks old school to me. Although the small second wing element near the lower rear of the car is interesting. But I'll let the armchair designers out there have at it.

[JAG]

There are hints that the new Porsche LMP2 will be a radical design.

Then again we've not seen any full LMP1s hit the track yet, so who knows whats in store.

[gwyllion]

The first pictures and info: http://www.automotorundsport.de/d/85452 (in German)

[gwyllion]

They will develop a new 3.4 V8 endurance engine with 480 hp. The sequential 6 speed gearbox and engine are integrated into the chassis.

[SALEEN S7R]

Impressive looking design, although the power outputt would IMO seem a little down on the competitve cars in LMP 2 which are currently producing around 550bhp. Still, hopefully Porsche will be able to make much bigger advances on the estimated 480bhp unit.

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by SALEEN S7R

Impressive looking design, although the power outputt would IMO seem a little down on the competitve cars in LMP 2 which are currently producing around 550bhp. Still, hopefully Porsche will be able to make much bigger advances on the estimated 480bhp unit.

Yeah, but all these other LMP2 engines break down

[paul-collins]

Amazing how similar it is to the Lucchini.

Side vented exhaust instead of brake duct inlet; the front wheel exhaust is moved a wee bit back; a few details around the cockpit; different wing endplates; a shark nose.

[gwyllion]

So it resembles the Luchinni? I saw some Lola elements in it at first (maybe because of the double rollover bar ).

[Nordic]

Maybe thats why it withdrew from LM, it was needed back at Prosche HQ for a photo shoot.....

[paul-collins]

Just remembering that someone had said it was a "radical departure" in design.

I suppose the idea of a German manufacturer relying on an Italian design for engineering qualifies as "radical."

[cmk]

Does anyone else find the choice of sponsors for the press photo interesting?

[gwyllion]

A bit more info on racing1.de (again in German): Erste Tests für Porsche Le Mans-Prototyp

The car had a first test run on the Porsche testing/development track in Weissach. Michelin is their tyre partner during development. Penske will run the car in 2006 on an exclusive basis.

[gwyllion]

Laurent Chauveau thinks it resembles the Audi R8R (1999) in profile and the Lucchini viewed in front and suggests the aerodynamics are not as advanced as the new Lola LMP2. http://www.infoscourse.org/article.php?sid=1124

[kdr]

is it just me or in the head on front picture is the car winking?

[JAG]

Originally Posted by SALEEN S7R

Impressive looking design, although the power outputt would IMO seem a little down on the competitve cars in LMP 2 which are currently producing around 550bhp. Still, hopefully Porsche will be able to make much bigger advances on the estimated 480bhp unit.

Official figures and actual power have little in relation

The new LMP2 does look very sweet, especially the PORSCHE lettering along the side.

[gwyllion]

Scott Atherton of ALMS is delighted with initial details on Porsche LMP2

"The pipeline of content is refilling in LMP1 and LMP2. In the last 90 days, we have seen Courage, Porsche, Audi and now Riley & Scott confirm LMP programs for 2006," he continued. "No doubt there are others that we simply haven't heard from yet. I believe we're on the front edge of a resurgence of new prototype content, and when this is coupled with the already strong activity in the GT classes, it bodes well for the ALMS in general, especially our loyal fans."

BTW the engine is said to produce its 480 hp at 10100 rpm.

[Spiteful]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

Laurent Chauveau thinks it resembles the Audi R8R (1999) in profile and the Lucchini viewed in front and suggests the aerodynamics are not as advanced as the new Lola LMP2. http://www.infoscourse.org/article.php?sid=1124

There's definitely nothing radical about it's aerodynamics. That's a bit of a letdown for me. I guess I expected too much, something like a lola with a '03 bentley style nose, but better, faster and more beautiful
It looks neat tho

[jhansen]

Smart looking car. I wonder how much it will change (if at all) from now till its race debut?

Agreed JAG, it is awesome to see PORSCHE on the side!

[gwyllion]

A bit sad we have to wait till October (Petit Le Mans) to see this splendid car race