[WEC] Toyota LMP1 Discussion

[kaivo]

black swan, looks fabulous

[templer]

Look like a strong similarity to the first TS030 version even in the headlight shape. Curious that the front bodywork seems to be closed. Did Toyota not use the front wing on the splitter or is this the low downforce package for Le Mans

[gwyllion]

The whole point of the front wing is that there would not be a strong need for a special low drag aero package for Le Mans.

The TS040 currently looks a lot like the 2013 TS030 and the launch TS030.

[Gingers4Justice]

Seems like a very narrow cockpit.

I like the look of the new prototypes, and my only criticism is that these don't look like they could hold two passengers.

[TF110]

Its a picture of the car in its first outing. A lot changed on the 2012 and 2013 car, so we'll probably only get the 'clear picture' in march. Funny you say that it looks narrow, gingers, since its actually wider. Maybe because the black?

[PorscheFanNo1]

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

Squint a bit and you can see some GT-One in that front end.

Sure does! Looks good! Feels like all LMP1's this year will be stunning, in direct contrast on how F1 is evolving. Maybe this really is the true return of Endurance racing to the status it had in late 80s

[TheNo1F1Fan]

Originally Posted by deggis

http://www.toyotahybridracing.com/wp...m1421ja330.jpg

Oh dear, seems like that everyone's surprised now!

[alless]

looks good sofar, i hope the cockpit is nice round from the side view. As some mentioned it looks really like ts020 from front view to.

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by TF110

Its a picture of the car in its first outing. A lot changed on the 2012 and 2013 car, so we'll probably only get the 'clear picture' in march. Funny you say that it looks narrow, gingers, since its actually wider. Maybe because the black?

Or maybe because I'm blind

[TF110]

I love the skinny nose cone. Not like Audi and Porsche who have wider nose cones.

[JoestForEver]

The pic in shadow reminds me of T128 and Lola, and by contrast, the Toyota solution is so far the most mature and conservative one, possibly the most reliable one next year. The must be hiding and teasing some sort of secret weapon. Wait and see.

[Sodemo]

I don't like the narrower shape of the 2014 cars, they should never have narrowed them.

[carbon_titanium]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I don't like the narrower shape of the 2014 cars, they should never have narrowed them.

narrower shape = lower drag = less downforce = car lighter at high speeds = less fuel consume = better fuel efficiency = main concept and objective of 2014 rules = narrower shape = lower drag = = less downforce = car lighter at high speeds = less fuel consume = better fuel efficiency = main concept and objective of 2014 rules = and on...

[Plex]

I cant wait to see what Toyota has done this yr. The car looks 2013 TS030 just a revised version of 2014. Its good they are testing this car cause now u have another rival in the equation.

[NelisB]

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

Squint a bit and you can see some GT-One in that front end.

Very much so indeed. Would love to see them go back to the red and white livery.

[wewantourdarbyback]

[Sodemo]

Originally Posted by carbon_titanium

narrower shape = lower drag = less downforce = car lighter at high speeds = less fuel consume = better fuel efficiency = main concept and objective of 2014 rules = narrower shape = lower drag = = less downforce = car lighter at high speeds = less fuel consume = better fuel efficiency = main concept and objective of 2014 rules = and on...

You could add less stable and less mechanical grip to that mix too. Narrowing cars should never be an option for me. Less aero, ok, but the track width shouldn't be touched.

[Holt]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

Seems like a very narrow cockpit.

I like the look of the new prototypes, and my only criticism is that these don't look like they could hold two passengers.

They really need to introduce rules that gets rid of the pointy noses and the whole single seater vibe prototypes from the last 10 or so years have had.

I doubt they will though, they want the F1 audience so they'll keep the F1 noses and single seater look.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Holt

They really need to introduce rules that gets rid of the pointy noses and the whole single seater vibe prototypes from the last 10 or so years have had.

I doubt they will though, they want the F1 audience so they'll keep the F1 noses and single seater look.

I'm sure ACO is open to suggestions that achieve just that without making the whole front section a spec part.

2014 was a chance to make bigger chances (underbody, and getting rid of the fins), so I doubt there will be major chances for years.

I actually think the narrow width makes the cars look a bit more nimble/agile. 919 looks by far best so far. R18 is worse proportionally.

[CTD]

I'm surprised they are running regular lighting, when both Audi and Porsche have their cars with LED's

[Articus]

Originally Posted by Holt

They really need to introduce rules that gets rid of the pointy noses and the whole single seater vibe prototypes from the last 10 or so years have had.

I doubt they will though, they want the F1 audience so they'll keep the F1 noses and single seater look.

Oh trust me. I think the new F1 rules have gone a long way to distancing themselves from the sportscars

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by Holt

They really need to introduce rules that gets rid of the pointy noses and the whole single seater vibe prototypes from the last 10 or so years have had.

Radiators have to be at the front of the car?

[Holt]

Originally Posted by Articus

Oh trust me. I think the new F1 rules have gone a long way to distancing themselves from the sportscars

What am I looking at...

Originally Posted by deggis

I'm sure ACO is open to suggestions that achieve just that without making the whole front section a spec part.

2014 was a chance to make bigger chances (underbody, and getting rid of the fins), so I doubt there will be major chances for years.

I actually think the narrow width makes the cars look a bit more nimble/agile. 919 looks by far best so far. R18 is worse proportionally.

Heres a good idea:

Originally Posted by Adam43

Radiators have to be at the front of the car?

[GTfour]

So far it looks good from the front. I'm afraid though that we'll see the same minibus cockpit lenght as the other contenders. The current rules'll never produce flowing beauties like the GT-One or EXP Speed 8.

[Maelochs]

Once the rules-makers start trying to mandate the appearance of cars it is time to watch a new series.

Cars need to be quick and safe .... period. Form will follow function.

As for the chassis and tires being narrower ... sure it gives (potentially) less mechanical grip, but that is also a new challenge for the engineers.

Further, the rules-makers are Always slowing the cars down some because there are reasonable safe limits for straightaway and cornering speeds given the types of track upon which these cars race---and the limits of the human organism.

These cars were not made less safe because the tires are narrower, and if grip was all that important, ACO would mandate sprint bodywork downforce levels at Le masn, not trimmed out torpedo-cars.

2014 cars are in no way less safe---in fact they are significantly more safe because of better outward vision and more intrusion protection.

These cars might end up being alittle slower than their predeccessors for a short while, but history shows that in a short while engineers will have found ways to go faster with less.