New design Lemans race car

[rjbh20]

Originally Posted by Cobra #3170

They were testing at Buttonwillow near Bakersfield California with Michelin, it was very fast in a straight line as would be expected and cornered respectably too. A narrow front turns in really well and tends to transfer more weight at the rear at a given roll angle. Ultimate lateral front grip might be compromised but if it is light enough it would work with a narrow track. It is all about balance anyway, if the front and rear are balanced it will work and it may be fast enough in a straight line to offset whatever cornering force it is giving up at the front.

The idea of trading downforce (i.e, cornering force) for straight line speed reminds me of two brilliant, but flawed designs -- the Chaparral 2H of 1969 The Chaparral Files (TCF) > THE 2H MYSTERY and the original AVS Shadow of 1968 1968 Shadow Lowline CanAm Prototype Images, Information and History | Conceptcarz.com . Both were racing failures that quickly added enormous wings & other aero devices to add downforce. Hope the Delta Wing does better, but I'm skeptical.

[Don]

IndyCar 2012 - IndyCar.com


" DeltaWing Racing Car Selected by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) for the 24 Heures du Mans in 2012

DeltaWing design and technology will be utilized by Project 56 Partners.
Two seat DeltaWing will focus on innovation to achieve ultra energy efficiency and 24 hour performance

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (June 9, 2011) – DeltaWing Racing Cars, of Indianapolis, today announced a major project milestone.
“We are pleased to announce a licensing agreement with the “Project 56 Partners” to utilize the DeltaWing design and technology for their participation in the 24 Heuers du Mans in June, 2012,” said Ben Bowlby, the concept’s originator. The Project 56 group includes Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, Dr. Don Panoz and Highcroft Racing.

“The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has shown great vision in creating an opportunity for an innovative and experimental vehicle such as the DeltaWing to participate “outside the classifications” in this famous event. The race has a long and glorious history, featuring the most advanced and technologically relevant racing cars. We are thrilled to have been invited to join the list of innovators and to honor the Spirit of Le Mans,” said Bowlby. "