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LE MANS |
29/03/2001 |
Revised |
Cadillac LMP |
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Cadillac presented its 2001 Cadillac Northstar LMP at Carolina Motorsports for its first test yesterday. This is the interim car, developed from the 2000 LMP, and two examples are entered for Le Mans. It will undergo two days of shakedown testing.
“We’ve made some big changes in chassis and engine to the Cadillac Northstar LMP for the 2001 year,” said Herb Fishel, executive director of GM Racing. “We’re confident that these changes are a big step in the right direction of our initial commitment to sportscar racing at the highest level.”
An extensive testing program will be conducted by Wayne Taylor and Max Angelelli, with the names of the rest of the crew to be released later.
Nigel Stroud is responsible for this design, and for the all new car that will appear for 2002. The Northstar engine in the imterim car should produce 5% more power and lose 20 lb., while its innards have been extensively revised to include a 180-degree crank. The engine also sits lower in the chassis, and is controlled by a new management system.
Chassis stiffness has been improved with a new bell housing and gearbox, while new hubs, uprights and wishbones, as well as a new power-steering system, will enhance the whole package. Nigel Stroud seems to have been very busy.
For improved driver safety, Stroud has worked with the GM Racing Safety Group to incorporate new FIA recommendations for a new cockpit head surround protection system and to incorporate a new crushable composite structure in the rear of the car.
Final change is the adoption of Michelin tyres. Bell MicroProducts are a new sponsor, with existing backers staying with the project.
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