Lotus P1/01 - brand new LMP1-L racing car
The all-new Lotus P1/01 took centre stage at the iconic 24 hours of Le Mans event today as the LMP1 L class car was unveiled to the media and public for the very first time.
The Le Mans Innovation Centre played host to the much anticipated unveiling where Lotus LMP drivers Christijan Albers, Christophe Bouchut and Pierre Kaffer were on hand to do the honours and pull the cover from the stunning Paul White designed car.
Delays resulting from an unavoidable change in engine supplier prevent the team from compet-ing at the world famous race this weekend, much to the disappointment of the team and the drivers. Despite this, the unveiling was an enormously proud moment for the team, the iconic LMP 1 class represents the highest class of sports car racing, attracting some of the best drivers in the world and is usually dominated by world famous manufacturers.
Commenting at the launch, Lotus LMP Head of Operations, Boris Bermes said: “It’s really heart-warming to see so many supporters and fans of the team here in Le Mans. It’s difficult to be here and not compete, we have a team of very talented, very competitive individuals and all they want to do is race. They really did everything they could to try and meet the homologation deadline but now we focus all our efforts on testing ahead of Austin in September. I’m looking forward to showing our fans and our competitors what the car can do in the not too distant fu-ture.”
The Lotus LMP drivers in attendance made it clear that they are really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the P1/01, former Formula 1 driver Christijan Albers said: “The P1/01 has awesome potential and I can’t wait to see what the it can do. For sure, it’s strange to be here and not race but the team is definitely remaining positive about the rest of the season, anything can happen in this sport.”The Lotus LMP1 car is a completely new car built to meet the new WEC regulations for the LMP1 L privateer racing category. The Lotus LMP1 car was designed by Chief Designer Paul White and is powered by an AER (Advanced Engine Research) V6 turbo.
The Car
Le Mans Sportscar Prototype 1 (LMP 1)
Chassis
Carbon composites monocoque with CFK crash elements front and rear
Engine
Aluminium 6 cylinder, 90 degree V angle Turbocharged using one turbocharger per bank.
Cylinder Heads: 2, Aluminium with 4 valves per cylinder
Camshafts: 4
Fuel Injection System: GDI with 2 Synchronous High pressure
Fuel pumps Fuel System: Life Racing using Bosch Fuel Injectors and Life Racing fuel pumps
Ignition System: Bosch Motorsport Coils and Bosch Spark plugs
Throttle System: Independent drive by wire per bank
Engine Management: Life Racing F90
Brakes
Carbon fibre brake disc and pads
Gearbox
6 gear sequential gearbox with pedal shift
Rims
BBS fogged rims 13 by 18 inches front and rear
Tires
Michelin 31/71 - 18 X Radial
Weight
850 kg
Suspension
independent wheel suspension with adjustable dampers
Bodywork
lightweight carbon composite with adjustable rear wing profie
Fuel
Gasoline Shell LM24 (2014)
Tank capacity 68 l
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