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Cosworth
03-01-2011, 10:59 PM
http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/le-mans-aston-martin-reveals-amr-one/

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Following months of anticipation, Aston Martin Racing has taken the wraps off its new prototype challenger, the AMR-One. The all-new LMP1 machine, built to 2011 ACO rules, was officially unveiled Wednesday in the U.K., in advance of its race debut, now scheduled for the Le Mans Series season-opening Paul Ricard 6 Hours in April.

After two seasons campaigning Lola-based AMR prototypes, the Prodrive organization has built its first LMP1 car from the ground-up. Featuring an open-top design, the AMR-One is powered by a 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo, a unique design that fits within the new wave of smaller-displacement engines.

At first glance, the AMR-One features a distinct look that’s unlike many modern-day prototypes. Featuring noticeably tall sidepods, the gasoline-powered prototype bears some resemblance to IMSA GTP cars of the early ‘90s, minus the closed top.

The car’s simplistic, yet elegant design also includes the now-mandated shark fin, which all newly homologated prototypes must run. AMR has followed Audi and Peugeot by also utilizing the same-sized tires on all four corners.

“George and the team have been extremely busy over the winter months and they have been working day and night to produce what is not only a stunningly beautiful race car but one which will use the new ACO regulations to best effect,” said AMR Chairman David Richards.

“Just like the road cars, the AMR-One has been elegantly engineered where simplicity runs throughout to produce what we expect to be a competitive and reliable endurance racer.”

With Audi opting for a 3.7-liter V6 turbo diesel and the 3.7-liter normally aspirated V8 diesel from Peugeot, there’s certainly variety amongst the three leading factory prototype contenders this year.

While it was no secret Aston Martin opted for a gasoline powerplant, the team hopes that the ACO’s new balance of performance procedures of keeping the leading prototype contenders within a 2 percent performance range will help their chances of overall victory at Le Mans.

“We have chosen to run with a six cylinder turbocharged engine because we believe this offers the best potential within the petrol engine regulations,” said AMR Team Principal George Howard-Chappell. “With the ACO’s commitment to effectively balance the performance of petrol and diesel Le Mans entrants – our hopes are high that we’ll see the closest racing yet in the premiere LMP1 category.”

While the plan was for the AMR-One to make its race debut in two weeks’ time at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, the car has yet to complete initial testing and will forgo the American Le Mans Series and Intercontinental Le Mans Cup season-opener later this month.

Instead, plans are in place to contest the opening Le Mans Series round at Paul Ricard in April 1-3, ahead of the remaining ILMC rounds, including a two-car attack at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

The team confirmed that Adrian Fernandez, Andy Meyrick and Harold Primat will pilot the No. 009 machine, with Darren Turner, Stefan Mucke and a two-be-announced driver at the wheel of the No. 007 car in the twice-around-the-clock classic. A total of six cars will be built, with at least four likely to go to customers for the 2012 season.

AMR-One Technical Specifications

Chassis – Aston Martin Carbon Fibre Monocoque ‘open’ style construction, load bearing engine with steel frame to help rigidity.

Configuration – Mid engine rear wheel drive

Engine – In line 6 cylinder, direct injected, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC Petrol engine, 4 valves per cylinder. Approx 540bhp, 6 speed Xtrac

Gearbox – Bespoke 6 speed, transverse, semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox

Suspension – All round double wishbone, push-rod activated Koni dampers with third spring/damper, front and rear. Front Anti roll bar

Steering – Rack and Pinion with electrical power assistance

Aerodynamics - to current LMP1 regulations developed via CFD in conjunction with Totalsim, including latest regulation fin.

Electronics – Full Cosworth electronics systems including engine ECU, data system and telemetry. Full military spec wiring harness and connectors.

Wheels and Tyres – Michelin tyres, 36/71 x 18 front and 37/71 x 18 rear mounted on TWS forged magnesium wheels.

Brakes – Brembo six pot calipers fitted front and rear, Carbon 380mm diameter front and 355mm diameter rear discs with carbon pads

Dimensions:
Length 4640mm
Width 1990mm
Wheelbase 2930mm
Minimum weight 900Kg



Love this car!

I especially like the looks of louvers/cooling fins on the side pods. Very unique choice of engine - a turbo inline 6. Can't think of too many race cars with that layout.

While I'm sure the diesels of Audi and Peugeot will still reign supreme, hopefully new ACO regs will allow the petro cars like this to make things a bit more competitive.


RJ

race1010
03-02-2011, 01:05 AM
Verrrry cool livery!! :D :D :D

Clarkfan
03-02-2011, 09:57 AM
Just imagine how pretty that car would be without the damn, stupid central fin thing.

Nonetheless, a nice looking car.

Clarkfan
03-02-2011, 09:59 AM
And, did anyone else notice the Lowes advert on the leading edge of the nose???

Could that be a hint that we might actually see this car in AMLS?????? 'Cus Lowes has no presence in Europe.

Cosworth
03-03-2011, 07:59 PM
And, did anyone else notice the Lowes advert on the leading edge of the nose???

Could that be a hint that we might actually see this car in AMLS?????? 'Cus Lowes has no presence in Europe.

We'll see this at Petit. Aston Martin is on for the full ILMC, so the Lola-Aston coupe's swan song should be Sebring.

Think Lowes is on-board for just Sebring and Road Atlanta.


RJ

Au Rouge
03-08-2011, 07:06 PM
Just imagine how pretty that car would be without the damn, stupid central fin thing.

Nonetheless, a nice looking car.

Well at least it helps tell the difference between it and the Audi;)
but none the less it is one fugly appendage

Clarkfan
03-09-2011, 02:53 PM
Apart from the fact the Audi now has a "tin" top you mean. ;)