Peugeot chose this race to show the world the intensive technological development carried out by the PSA Group over the last decade, especially the progress achieved in the field of diesel engines. Of course Audi hit first in 2006, when its prototype R10 diesel won the competition with sensational performance.
Now Peugeot will try to defeat Audi in a race that the German house has dominated in recent years. To achieve this great goal, Peugeot developed a prototype designed for the highest level of reliability requirements.
Unlike the prototypes usually presented in Le Mans, the Peugeot 908 Le Mans was designed with a closed monocoque, meaning that the pilot is in a small covered compartment. This alternative was motivated by the regulatory change announced by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest in June 2006.
Peugeot designers took on some distinctive elements of the Peugeot 905, the car with which the French brand won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1992 and 1993. The carbon fiber monocoque chassis forms a very solid closed structure, which in addition to providing high structural rigidity ensures a great reduction in weight between chassis and bodywork.
According to Peugeot's managers, development began in early 2006, so they managed to design a car from scratch and perform the first evaluations in the wind tunnel in less than four months. The car achieves an optimal balance between aerodynamic efficiency and load (downforce) to maintain stability in all sections of the French long circuit.
The engine of the Peugeot 908 Le Mans will be the same as it was used in the Peugeot 908 RC concept: a V12 HDI biturbo with 5,500 cm3 engine capacity and over 700 horsepower. With its 100 degree inclination, this impeller is ideal for its low center of gravity and low level of vibrations generated.
The V12 features two Garret turbochargers and intercoolers, a set for each exhaust manifold. The particularity of this engine lies in its filters DPFS specially developed by Peugeot to reduce emissions and prevent the car from firing smoke.
As far as the transmission is concerned, the regulation allows a maximum of 6 gears. The gearbox has that number of gears and electronic control. To put power on the ground and make the most of it, Michelin developed special tires.
The weight of the car will be around 950 kg, the minimum weight established by regulation being 925 kg.
Torque: 122 kgm
Electric power steering
© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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