GT3: ACO style

[v8supes]

The United Autosport Mclarens look markedly different than the other Mclaren 720s GT3s. Is there a reason for this? What other cars have changed aero?

[Mike E]

All of them had aero tests to check if they were in the required performance window

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...-aerodynamics/

[v8supes]

Fair enough, I did read the article but I thought it was just the Lexus that had the updates because of how old it was.

I just presumed that they’d run the cars exactly how they’d be running in SRO or IMSA.

[KlBD]

Originally Posted by v8supes

Fair enough, I did read the article but I thought it was just the Lexus that had the updates because of how old it was.

I just presumed that they’d run the cars exactly how they’d be running in SRO or IMSA.

For what it's worth, if you are referring to the swan necks and new front bumper on the 720S, that's the Evo package that rolled out worldwide last year. I'm not sure if there are some minor aero allowance differences like gurney heights etc. but visually at least the other LMGT3s seem to be more or less the same as their SRO versions in terms of more noticeable bodywork components.

[v8supes]

It seems the mounting of the swan neck is bigger, the wing profile is different, the end plates are different, the rear arches look more "boxy" and the rear diffuser more aggressive.

It doesn't really matter i was just surprised that it was different given as you say it was only given the EVO package last year and the only article that id seen about aero changes in LMGT3 was for the Lexus.

[TF110]

The new Lexus GT3 was out testing at Sebring https://www.automotiveaddicts.com/95...oogle_vignette. Looks slightly different than before but has a nice V8 rumble to it.

[NaBUru38]

Pechito López said in some interview with Campeones or Carburando that the car is meant to be launched in 2026.

[TF110]

New Lexus out testing again, this time at Motegi in Japan. Loving the sounds it makes https://youtube.com/shorts/Mh8FzLsf0...YYTUpCB30E-qlw

[v8supes]

Video is from last June according to the comments but you are right, it sounds great.

[TF110]

Not so new then lol, hopefully there's some more info on it soon!

[Mike E]

Meanwhile, the old Lexus seems to be a bit of a handful in WEC spec

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...-in-wec-guise/

[flatlandsman]

Surely they ought to get Hawksorth or Barni behind the wheel to at least test thing thing? I know the regs are subtly different, but that car in IMSA has been a front runner for a few years now.

[Matador]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

Surely they ought to get Hawksorth or Barni behind the wheel to at least test thing thing? I know the regs are subtly different, but that car in IMSA has been a front runner for a few years now.

You would think right? Some set up notes at least?

[airbusA346]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

Surely they ought to get Hawksorth or Barni behind the wheel to at least test thing thing? I know the regs are subtly different, but that car in IMSA has been a front runner for a few years now.

I'm sure the Lexus biased BOP helps too.

[v8supes]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

Surely they ought to get Hawksorth or Barni behind the wheel to at least test thing thing? I know the regs are subtly different, but that car in IMSA has been a front runner for a few years now.

John Dagys said on X/Twitter that the WEC car is actually quite different to the IMSA car. Although what the differences are beyond aero im not sure.

Honestly dont know why they didnt just stick to the same GT3 specs as the rest of the world and then use SRO BOP. Well, saying that, we know why... Just seems really stupid.

Im also convinced that they use quieter exhausts than SRO, the Porsches sound quieter for sure.

[Matador]

Originally Posted by airbusA346

I'm sure the Lexus biased BOP helps too.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by v8supes

John Dagys said on X/Twitter that the WEC car is actually quite different to the IMSA car. Although what the differences are beyond aero im not sure.

Honestly dont know why they didnt just stick to the same GT3 specs as the rest of the world and then use SRO BOP. Well, saying that, we know why... Just seems really stupid.

Im also convinced that they use quieter exhausts than SRO, the Porsches sound quieter for sure.

The above mentioned article said the car had to be slightly modified to meet ACO drag/downforce targets.

[TF110]

I guess they have to be different for difference sakes, or something. They're a good deal slower than comparable GT3's as well.

[TF110]

Now there's new footage of the future Lexus GT3. This time at Spa, https://youtu.be/PXuEL_oj7TA?si=Sbg9ok1c6MzTfdcl

[v8supes]

They've just given BMW the Le Mans GT victory. Disgusting. The thing is already a rocket on the straights and they've made it the lightest and added more power.

https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/...3-le-mans-bop/

[TF110]

Only the Ford is lighter (1327kg), but this decision is strange. BMW doesn't need anything more based on the car's performance the past 2 races where it's been class of the field.

[flatlandsman]

They want Rossi to win, isn't it obvious!!

[broadrun96]

Not ready to worry about it, BMW drivers can't make it 24 hours without hitting things, usually multiple times and for stupid reasons

[flatlandsman]

or things hitting them , which is the reason both cars were taken out of Spa

[v8supes]

Its really noticeable at Le Mans how quiet the GT3 cars in WEC spec. You can hardly hear the Porsche on TV.