Earlier today, Peugeot took the wraps of their highly anticipated new Le Mans challenger. It once again bears the 908 moniker but is a thoroughly different car than its very successful predecessor. This is due to extensive rule changes, aimed at keeping the performance of prototype racers in check. The biggest revisions were in the engine regulations, which saw the displacement limits drop considerably. Peugeot's answer is a 3.7 litre HDI V8 engine, which is officially good for 550 bhp. Audi, by contrast, have opted for a V6 engine for their R18, which is set to be the 908's biggest rival. More subtle changes include the adoption of wider rear tyres at the front and the now mandatory stability fin on the rear deck. Peugeot started working on this car shortly after the 2009 Le Mans victory and the engine ran for the first time in January of 2010. The complete car was first unleashed in July, which means the French team will start the season very well prepared. The 908's first race is the Sebring 12 Hours in March, which will kick off the ALMS and the ILMC season.
All Formula 1 teams were at the Ricardo Tormo track in Valencia track for the first official three-day test session of the season. Most of them fielded their new-for-2011 cars. Close scrutiny revealed that the Renault team had the most intriguing trick on their R31: a blown floor. Key features of this setup are the exhaust exits, which are fitted in the front of the side-pods. This means additional air is blown over the all important floor of the car. Renault driver Robert Kubica clocked the fastest time of the session, so we may soon see similar systems on other cars. Other new cars driven at Valencia included the title-defending Red Bull Racing RB7 Renault, the Toro Rosso STR6 Ferrari, the Mercedes-Benz W02 and the Sauber C30 Ferrari. McLaren, Virgin and Force India will debut their new cars next week at Jerez.
Away from the race track, Renault also announced the fourth model in the ever expanding Gordini line-up. This time the quirky Wind has received the blue and white treatment. It will make its debut at Geneva in a month's time.

Enjoy the links:

2011 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Peugeot 908 - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Red Bull Racing RB7 Renault - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Renault Wind Gordini - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Sauber C30 Ferrari - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Toro Rosso STR6 Ferrari - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Mercedes-Benz W02 - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Renault R31 - Images, Specifications and Information