2010 Japanese Super GT Thread

[brucelok2003]

Here is the calendar for this year's Super GT:

http://ww2.supergt.net/gtcgi/prg/NLi...014164&List=15

There're some news/rumors which makes the series more excitment:

Honda introduces the successor of NSX: HSV-010

Tiago Monteiro eyes for the Nismo drive in 2010 (http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=4296)

For me, I'm planning to watch the Malaysian round this year.

Any news or rumors are welcomed.

[Birddog07]

Not bad, but sad to see Autopolis go. 3 rounds at Fuji? Only track which IMO should get 2 rounds is Suzuka, one 300km and the 1000km summer special (did they say anything about the race distances yet?) Wish they'd get a round in Shanghi, and an Okinawan street circut (for 2010 while I'm still here, but not happening )

Hopefully this year I can maybe go to the 1000km Suzuka, although if the AsianLMS dates aren't before I leave I may go see that. Then again I can always go to AMLS races back in the states, especially since I'll be in San Diego for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Long Beach, Laguna, Sear Point (please return there ) and possibly a Petit or Sebring vacation.

Anyways, back to SuperGT. Think Lexus will debut an LFA GT500 racer?

[Mulsanne Bleu]

Originally Posted by Birddog07

Not bad, but sad to see Autopolis go. 3 rounds at Fuji? Only track which IMO should get 2 rounds is Suzuka, one 300km and the 1000km summer special (did they say anything about the race distances yet?) Wish they'd get a round in Shanghi, and an Okinawan street circut (for 2010 while I'm still here, but not happening )

Hopefully this year I can maybe go to the 1000km Suzuka, although if the AsianLMS dates aren't before I leave I may go see that. Then again I can always go to AMLS races back in the states, especially since I'll be in San Diego for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Long Beach, Laguna, Sear Point (please return there ) and possibly a Petit or Sebring vacation.

Anyways, back to SuperGT. Think Lexus will debut an LFA GT500 racer?

That Honda is what is wrong with the series, having a car that will never be intended for production when every other GT series permit cars that have been in production.

As for the Lexus, it look as the rules have been changed to keep them out, note the FR V8 rules the GT Association have imposed - which is a far cry from the anything goes 90's

[Yakuncha]

Originally Posted by Mulsanne Bleu

That Honda is what is wrong with the series, having a car that will never be intended for production when every other GT series permit cars that have been in production.

As for the Lexus, it look as the rules have been changed to keep them out, note the FR V8 rules the GT Association have imposed - which is a far cry from the anything goes 90's

At least with Super GT the 'Big 3' Japanese car manufacturers are still involved. When things pick up the HSV-10 may say production, who knows

[Mulsanne Bleu]

Originally Posted by Yakuncha

At least with Super GT the 'Big 3' Japanese car manufacturers are still involved. When things pick up the HSV-10 may say production, who knows

Not saying that is a bad thing, but banning mid engined cars when all other GT series have them is one thing, restricting the permitted engine configuration to 3.4 V8 is another...especially when other GT series have large varieties to size and configurations...I am getting the impression that Super GT is becoming another one make series like IRL

[Mopar]

Originally Posted by Mulsanne Bleu

Not saying that is a bad thing, but banning mid engined cars when all other GT series have them is one thing, restricting the permitted engine configuration to 3.4 V8 is another...especially when other GT series have large varieties to size and configurations...I am getting the impression that Super GT is becoming another one make series like IRL

Hold you horses, I dont think there is any worry of the Super GT becoming a one make series. The shift in rules for GT500 makes huge sense. The only cars that have won in the class over the last decade have been the Factory supported Japanese cars. So to equalise this out with existing race bred engines (from what i understand these are slight variations on the IRL/indycar engines which then became the Formula Nippon engines) makes logical sense. The cars still look fantastic and seeing the latest generation GT-R follow in the footsteps of the r31,r32,r33 and r34 is massively appealing to the European race fan! Monteiro would be a welcome addition to the Nismo camp, i kind of feel his abilities are a little wasted in the front wheel drive diesels of the WTCC.

[Yakuncha]

Originally Posted by Mulsanne Bleu

Not saying that is a bad thing, but banning mid engined cars when all other GT series have them is one thing, restricting the permitted engine configuration to 3.4 V8 is another...especially when other GT series have large varieties to size and configurations...I am getting the impression that Super GT is becoming another one make series like IRL

Well Super GT (GT500 class anyway) is the Far East equivalent of DTM - similar rules/restrictions making a rather level playing field, coupled with heavy manufacturer support/sponsorship/promotion. Also the fanbase out there is fanatical!

[nickyf1]

Who cares if the HSV wont be put into production? It looks great and make ONE HELLUVA NOISE! The GT500 cars these days are crazy, but I still prefer the GT500's of the 90's, give me the Castrol Supra vs the R33 GTR anyday.

[Yakuncha]

Originally Posted by nickyf1

Who cares if the HSV wont be put into production? It looks great and make ONE HELLUVA NOISE! The GT500 cars these days are crazy, but I still prefer the GT500's of the 90's, give me the Castrol Supra vs the R33 GTR anyday.

Indeed, then the McLaren F1 GTR came along and ate them all for breakfast

Originally Posted by nickyf1

Who cares if the HSV wont be put into production? It looks great and make ONE HELLUVA NOISE!

Sure didnt DTM allow the 'LWB' Audi TT in 2002 along with subtle aero tweaks, even though this was not a production variant. Honda would invest a lot of money in the series aswell as helping to promote it and they also own Suzuka and Motegi circuits, so I think rather than losing 1 of the 'big 3' its better to allow them in by a slightly unorthodox route. I personally cant wait to see the iconic NSX liveries; Autobacs,Rockstar/Takata,Raybrig and Epson along with Rolling Stone and Keihin adorning the HSV-010

[nickyf1]

Oh, and while im here, is the Taisan 996 GT3 racing in GT300 this year? One of the best looking cars on the grid.

[Matador]

Wouldn't this be nice?

[The IC]

i seem to remember there being a 2-year rule on the chassis, and Toyota was staggered with Honda and Nissan, meaning itd have to wait till 2011...although i cant find the rule anymore, maybe they got rid of it?

im aiming to get some bigger renders of the LFA up on my dA page tonight/tomorrow, possibly some painted HSV010s too

[Mopar]

Has it been confirmed that the L-FA will be racing in superGT? I wouldnt think Lexus/Toyota would really need to give it any "racing heritage" other than what they have done with it at the 'Ring. I understand its a Halo car but with only 200 in production, a win on sunday isnt really going to translate into a sale on Monday. Volume cars such as the SC430 (ok its out of production) or the ft86 would make a better choice?. Equally, under the current rules,it doesnt even need to be a sportscar, just look at the GT300 Corolla!

[Yakuncha]

I would imagine a liveried HSV-010 or 2/3 will be revealed at next weekends Tokyo Auto Salon

[Juntos]

What's the rumor that Team Sard may close their racing team doors?

[Matador]

Originally Posted by Mopar

Has it been confirmed that the L-FA will be racing in superGT? I wouldnt think Lexus/Toyota would really need to give it any "racing heritage" other than what they have done with it at the 'Ring. I understand its a Halo car but with only 200 in production, a win on sunday isnt really going to translate into a sale on Monday. Volume cars such as the SC430 (ok its out of production) or the ft86 would make a better choice?. Equally, under the current rules,it doesnt even need to be a sportscar, just look at the GT300 Corolla!

500. And I agree. They don't need to race a fairly unrelated car in SuperGT and I doubt that they will. The SC has got another year in it, maybe they will have a new one for '11?

Originally Posted by Juntos

What's the rumor that Team Sard may close their racing team doors?

Really? Completely, or just at super GT? They do a lot of racing work for Toyota, would they really let them kick the bucket?

[Mopar]

Sorry, 500 units made. if only 200 were made and Lexus gave 11 or so over to being raced, they might as well built up a few more Toyota gt1s............. Now there's an idea

[Japanese Samurai]

AUTOSPORT reported the 2011 DTM vehicle regulation plan that ITR proposed GTA.
The union carbon monocoque (and roll cage) and the union floor(with 20mm skid block) were proposed.
Wheelbases(2850mm) and front and rear overhang are united.
"Design line" is decided, and the shape of the base vehicle is obligated above the design line.
The below the design line (front and rear bumper, front and rear fender) is permitted to be developed.
Front spoiler and rear diffuser are united.
The engine displacement is uncertain though V8.
The engine use limitation of 1.5 per season has been decided.
51% cost reduction is scheduled compared with 2010 in 2014.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

AUTOSPORT reported the 2011 DTM vehicle regulation plan that ITR proposed GTA.
The union carbon monocoque (and roll cage) and the union floor(with 20mm skid block) were proposed.
Wheelbases(2850mm) and front and rear overhang are united.
"Design line" is decided, and the shape of the base vehicle is obligated above the design line.
The below the design line (front and rear bumper, front and rear fender) is permitted to be developed.
Front spoiler and rear diffuser are united.
The engine displacement is uncertain though V8.
The engine use limitation of 1.5 per season has been decided.
51% cost reduction is scheduled compared with 2010 in 2014.

So except engine and bodywork it's almost a single spec car?

[Matador]

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

AUTOSPORT reported the 2011 DTM vehicle regulation plan that ITR proposed GTA.
The union carbon monocoque (and roll cage) and the union floor(with 20mm skid block) were proposed.
Wheelbases(2850mm) and front and rear overhang are united.
"Design line" is decided, and the shape of the base vehicle is obligated above the design line.
The below the design line (front and rear bumper, front and rear fender) is permitted to be developed.
Front spoiler and rear diffuser are united.
The engine displacement is uncertain though V8.
The engine use limitation of 1.5 per season has been decided.
51% cost reduction is scheduled compared with 2010 in 2014.

Now why would they want to go and change the engine regulations which they just did and are geared towards cost reduction through and engine which can be used in various series? Also, Super GT currently uses 1 engine for 4 races right? I hope they aren't thinking of a drastic power reduction.

So all cars will share a monocoque and floor? That's not so bad, the front and rear subframes and the suspensions connected to them will still be different. I think they will still be able to keep their uniqueness depending on where the design line is.

[mirkob]

Samurai, do you know something about a non-Championship enduro at Fuji (Non-title race: November 13-14 - Fuji)?

SOURCE: DSC

[Japanese Samurai]

Yes. I know.
It is an all-star race "SUPER GT & Formula Nippon Fuji sprint cup 2010" on November 13-14.

[mirkob]

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

Yes. I know.
It is an all-star race "SUPER GT & Formula Nippon Fuji sprint cup 2010" on November 13-14.

Thanks

[Japanese Samurai]

News Source(AUTOSPORT web)
http://as-web.jp/news/info.php?c_id=2&no=24017

[Félix]

So would that be a common monocoque for Nissan's, Honda's and Toyota's front engined cars but also for Mercedes' entry (SLS?) More problematic would be Audi's (big front engined coupé that they don't build or a sedan when other race coupés), BMW (they probably prefer their racing M3s to be road car based) and manufacturers like Alfa or Opel that don't make cars anywhere close to those.

Anyways there's a danger that cars start looking like the NASCAR COT when you change their normal proportions...