First images of Peugeot's new Le Mans challenger ...‏

[mwrmt]

from ultimatecarpage.com

In parallel to its 2010 race programme with the 908 HDi FAP, Peugeot Sport has been busy designing and developing the prototype that will defend its colours in 2011.

Having been kept secret in Peugeot Sport's factory in Vélizy, near Paris, the team's new endurance challenger - known under the codename 90X - has been out for its first track test. "Our intention was to take it out onto a track before the end of the year," says Peugeot Sport Director Olivier Quesnel. "I am pleased to report that we have now done that. Even so, there is still a long way to go and a considerable amount of work to be done as we prepare for 2011."

The 90X complies with the ACO's 2011 regulations, and notably incorporates a shark fin appendix on the engine cover. This new feature is designed to prevent the car from going airborne in the case of a high-speed spin. As it did for the 908 HDi FAP, Peugeot Sport has opted for a closed cockpit, while the car meets the mandatory 900kg weight requirement. "We are still exploring several options with regard to the engine and technology we will use," points out Bruno Famin, the Technical Director of Peugeot Sport. "Work on the engine's development is ongoing. Endurance racing is a proving ground that provides us with an opportunity to showcase all the brand's technologies."

http://feedmesportscars.com/files/PEUGEOT_90X2.JPG

http://feedmesportscars.com/files/PEUGEOT_90X1.JPG

http://feedmesportscars.com/files/PEUGEOT_90X3.JPG

[Cosworth]

When I first saw these pics I thought it was a mistake- thought I was looking at the 908. :eek: :cool:

Here's a good comparison article with the new 90X, the 908, and the R15 Plus. Good detailed pics.

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/le-mans-peugeot-90x-comparison


RJ

[mwrmt]

Thanks RJ. It will be interesting to watch both shape up for Sebring next year. :cool:

[Clarkfan]

From what I read on Autosport the photos show an actual 908 with some 90x experimental parts grafted on.

It is still very much a 908 based test mule.

But, I clearly missed something along the way.............Autosport are saying the F1 style fin is now mandatory and is a safety item. Will the open coupes (ie Audis) also have to feature the fin or is it just the closed prototypes that will feature this new very unflattering requirement.

[mwrmt]

From what I read on Autosport the photos show an actual 908 with some 90x experimental parts grafted on.

It is still very much a 908 based test mule.

But, I clearly missed something along the way.............Autosport are saying the F1 style fin is now mandatory and is a safety item. Will the open coupes (ie Audis) also have to feature the fin or is it just the closed prototypes that will feature this new very unflattering requirement.

I hadn't heard that, but that is a good point Clarkie.

I remember something similar on the old 333SP's but it didn't look as ungainly.

http://www.dvamodels.com/images/333day-2.jpg

http://sportscarforums.com/gallery/data/68/Ferrari_333SP_2.jpg

http://www.dvamodels.com/images/333lm98-1.jpg

[beansport]

I suggest the fin on the 90x be made out of Plexiglass.
In the case of the 333SP pictured above, it looks more like they ran out of places for more sponser stickers

[Ground Effect]

Hmm. I suprised how much it looks like its predasessor.

Other than the fin and the engine air scoop which hasn't been that size since the Bentley of 2002, it looks like a yearly update, and not a freshly designed car.

[Cosworth]

....it looks like a yearly update, and not a freshly designed car.

From what I've read, it's pretty much still the same chassis as the 908, just new body and aero workings. Guess the biggest question mark is what type of engine/drive it will have. Read could be diesel again or even a hybrid.


RJ

[Clarkfan]

Guys, as mentioned above............Autosport have reported that the images above are NOT the definitive 2011 challenger. It is a 908 with some experimental bits tacked on.

I suspect the real new car will look different.

[Ground Effect]

Guys, as mentioned above............Autosport have reported that the images above are NOT the definitive 2011 challenger. It is a 908 with some experimental bits tacked on.

I suspect the real new car will look different.

You mean that they are holding back on the actual finialized product?
I can't believe they'd do something like that..............................Again!

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3457/peugeot908maquette16fq9.jpg

[Clarkfan]

But of course...........they are French after all. :rolleyes: