DeltaWing racer headed for Le Mans

2012 IndyCar Race Car Design Proposal by DeltaWing

An all-American effort

The DeltaWing racer was originally created for IndyCar, but the vehicle has just received approval to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2012.

Backed by Highcroft Racing and All American Racers, the DeltaWing effort is known as Project 56 which highlights the fact that the car is a special 56th entry reserved for "a vehicle showcasing new applications and unique technologies previously unseen in the world's greatest endurance race."

Detailed specifications haven't been announced, but Autoweek is reporting the group is in talks to acquire a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that develops 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS). That doesn't sound like much, but the DeltaWing has an aerodynamic design and a light weight of just 1,047 pounds (475 kg) which should enable the car to hit a top speed in excess of 200 mph (322 km/h).

Source: DeltaWing Racing and Autoweek

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DeltaWing Racing Car Selected for the Le Mans 24 Hour in 2012

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.

DeltaWing racer headed for Le Mans
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stickshiftfanatic

looks like someone broke into the vault and stole the plans for the '80s batmobile! http://www.ohgizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/batmobile.jpg

June 9, 2011 1:34 pm

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nunyabub

For sure, I'm no F1 engineer but it looks like this bat car will have way too much understeer to make it around the track at speed.

June 9, 2011 1:37 pm

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Ferraridude

Bwaaaughhaaaahaahahahaaahaa!!! I laughed like you wouldn't believe when I saw the title. It is the coolest shit ever, but OMG funny.

June 9, 2011 2:06 pm

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Ferraridude

But I propose that for 2012, they bring back the old lemans track and find out what this car has got in the only thing it can do, straight-line speed. I cannot even imagine the understeer it will have.

June 9, 2011 2:08 pm

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carcrazy1234

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qab8Jkk3yNA&feature=player_embedded#at=36 video of the car... in game form!

June 9, 2011 2:57 pm

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kayutr90

looks like a submarine

June 9, 2011 5:15 pm

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DdW

If this car was built for Salt Lake record-breaking runs, then it is logical to have an aerodynamic design. For the 2012 Le Mans? I am skeptical about it making it to the top rung (not to say top three places) thanks to its unique bodywork. Who knows the DeltaWing may clinch a win. Time will tell.

June 9, 2011 9:29 pm

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MTC

What is it trying to do? going down the Mulsanne straight and back?

June 9, 2011 11:16 pm

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s2k_turbo

Look at front wheelbase it`s so narrow, propably car don`t turn at all, so it will be just first straight and after that spectacular accident LOL somone who will be dirving this is really crazy.

June 10, 2011 1:02 am

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EIGHTMAN

It should be sponsored by Sico condoms :p

June 10, 2011 10:07 am

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ebarsy

I like most others on here have doubts, but you gotta think. They are high paid engineers to come up with new better things, who knows it might just be the future of race cars...

June 10, 2011 6:27 pm

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Brian49

This is yet another scam. A psuado-scientific rationale is drummed up to entice the mindless to "invest in the future". Turns out that future keeps getting further and further away (first Indy, now Le Mans, then...) like Moller's aircar.

September 1, 2011 4:46 pm

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