I was unaware of this car. Thanks for posting it.
https://www.motorsport.com/wec/photo/main-gallery/nissan-gt-r-lm-nismo-and-42-strakka-racing-dome-strakka-s103-nissan-nick-leventis-dan-2/
Nissan GT-R LM NISMO Press Kit: "Racing is a battle. Our weapon is innovation."
Nissan GT-R LM NISMO Press Kit: "Racing is a battle. Our weapon is innovation."
Quote:
Q3: So what are the GT-R LM NISMO’s key strengths?
Bowlby: It’s hard to separate individual qualities because the concept and design of the car is a system – every element influences the other. If I had to pick out three things I would say efficiency, stability and straight-line speed. But you have to remember these are the product of the aerodynamics, which in turn were only possible to achieve because of the forward positioning of the transmission and engine, and our commitment to run front-wheel drive.
|
That wheelbase sure looks longer than the other cars on the track - is that an optical illusion? Would result in more stability at speed, slower in the turns.
The Nissan DeltaWing also had a long wheelbase, I guess the rules allow for such experimentation.
Nissan GT-R LM NISMO Press Kit: "Racing is a battle. Our weapon is innovation."
Quote:
Q2: What challenges does this radical car present the drivers, and how does it feel to drive? Let Michael Krumm, NISMO’s most experienced driver, and the man who has been involved in the GT-R LM NISMO development program from the very first shakedown, put you in the driver’s seat.
Krumm: The driving position is very far back behind the engine, so it feels unusual the first time you sit in there (as you can see much more of the front end of the car than you usually would). But then you drive it and, initially to your surprise, you find it’s very sharp on turn-in and the traction is extremely good. We’re putting a lot of horsepower through the front wheels, so I expected it to have loads of wheelspin, but it pulls really well.
The wheels always “pull” the car, which means as long as you are under acceleration, the rear end of the car will always be stable and cannot suddenly spin you around. That is particularly helpful in wet conditions. Also, there are certain types of corners where this “pulling” of the car can actually create more grip than a conventional rear wheel driven car.
I think it’s going to be very interesting at Le Mans because we’re going to be quicker and slower than other cars in different places on the track. It’s going to be really exciting to see where we are better. If it’s wet or a little dangerous, suddenly I think the front-wheel drive is going to show some really serious advantages.
The aerodynamic concept and low-drag of the car means when you get onto the straights it just goes and goes and goes. We’re going to reach really good top speeds at Le Mans. Usually when you drive an LM prototype you accelerate quickly, but then you hit a bit of an aerodynamic brick wall; the GT-R feels really slippery through the air. I love the V6 engine, too. It’s a really nice
|