Porsche is a well-known sports car manufacturer, so it's not surprising that it has produced many race cars. The 911 series has been a dominant force in motor racing over the past few years. In the 1970s, the company made the 917/20 as well as the 962C. The company still produces racecars of various ages and configurations. The 917/20, which was introduced in 1971, was also the first production car built on the 911 platform.
1990 Porsche 962C
The Porsche 962C proto-race car is one the most successful models of all time. It is the first Porsche model to win Le Mans 24 Hours. It also won the Norisring 200 mile race and Watkins Glen 500km race. It was the most successful model for Porsche in the IMSA GT series, winning races in 1987 and 1988.
The prototype 962C was made in two variations. The rear wings of the longtail and shorttail versions were different. Both versions emphasized downforce, and the bodywork generated massive amounts of downforce. It was twice more aerodynamic than the Porsche 917/30 Spyder. In fact, it generated up to twice as much downforce as that car. Although the overall design of the car changed slightly due to engine configurations, it retained its basic appearance.
The chassis was intended to create downforce. Some Porsche 962s have Fabcar-built frames. It was also designed to increase downforce. Formula One engineers first tried downforce to improve aerodynamics. However, the design remained limited, and a number of private teams modified the 962 for their own use. The 962 was therefore a niche product which made it a prime candidate to be modified privately.
1971 Porsche 917/20
The 1971 Porsche 917/20 prototype racecar was a low drag version. It was built with a low drag body and had more rear downforce that the 1969 long-tail Porsche 917. It never won a race. Instead, it was sold to be a spare component. The 917LH never competed in a race. This car's success is attributed to the poor reliability of the engine.
The car was painted in white and pink and was driven by Reinhold Joest. The engine was modified to improve the torque. Kauhsen led 16 laps in his 917/20 prototype racecar. Van Lennep was next, Jose Juncadella and David Hobbs. Max Cohen Olivar and Andre Wicky drove Porsche 908/02. The 917/20 eventually pipped the entire field to win the race.
The 1991 model lacked a rear-end wing and had a flat front end. It featured a shorter nose with side-by sides headlights and a domed cockpit profile. The nose was flattened. The rear-wing was also modified. The interior was heavily modified to make it look more race-ready. The car's sleek shape and lower center of gravity gave it an aerodynamic advantage over other prototypes.
FAQ
What type of cars are used in racing cars and why?
Speed is the most important factor for any race car driver. It is what makes them go fast. They need to be fast enough for other drivers to catch them, but strong enough so they can keep the lead. This gives them an advantage over other racers as they can overtake others at high speeds and then pull away from them again when they're not looking.
Most of the fastest cars are very light. They can accelerate quickly and achieve a high speed. This also means that they have less power, which restricts how far they are able to travel in a short time. So they need to use energy efficiently.
Engines power most modern-day racing cars. These engines look similar to regular passenger vehicles. These engines run on compressed oxygen, and not petrol. This is because petrol isn’t strong enough to make a car go fast.
How many people are involved in the making of a racecar.
Many race car manufacturers employ hundreds.
They make parts such as tires, suspension systems and body panels.
How fast can a racecar accelerate
The acceleration speed of a race car varies depending upon its weight.
For example, a lightweight car accelerates more quickly than a heavy car.
Statistics
- Acceleration is a little gentler (relatively speaking) too, with 0-100km/h taking an estimated 3.1 seconds and 0-200km/h covered in 7.8 seconds. (autosport.com)
- In 2013 Ferrari had an estimated team budget of $470 million, while elite IndyCar teams have an estimated annual budget of $15 million, according to FormulaMoney. (businessinsider.com)
- This change may give an improvement of up to 29% fuel efficiency. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to FormulaMoney, the design, development, and construction of chassis and engines can cost teams as much as $255 million annually. (businessinsider.com)
- In 2009, the slick tires returned as a part of revisions to the rules for the 2009 season; slicks have no grooves and give up to 18% more contact with the track. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How to get started racing in another nation
First, find a local club to practice your skills and compete. Due to the differences in driving laws, racing in other countries can prove very challenging. Some countries do not allow drivers to pass at any other point. Some countries restrict overtaking to entering a circle. Some countries require vehicles to make a distinct sound when they enter a roundabout. The best thing you can do before you travel to another country is to read the regulations. This way, you won't get a ticket from the police for breaking the law.