Aston's brand new racer is intended to compete in the LMP1 category of the Le Mans cup series.
The AMR-One as it will be called it set to be powered by a turbocharged and direct-injected inline-six gas engine resting in an all carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Obviously the huge thing is that it's an open cockpit. You may be scratching your head wondering about that tiny 2.0L engine but sources tell us that the Aston's powerplant was developed with LeMans Cup's new efficiency regulations in mind. Still, that 2.0L packs a punch: a 540 HP punch.
Aston has told us that six AMR-Ones will be built in, with a one-car effort going into the 2011 Intercontinental LeMans series, which includes the 24 Hours of LeMans. Darren Turner and Stefan Mucke plus a third driver (to be determined) will wheel number 007 at LeMans, and Adrian Fernandez, Andy Meyrick and Harold Primat will drive car 009.
Click after the break for a press release and some fancy pictures.
* New Aston Martin LMP1 race-car developed from ground up named AMR-One
* Bespoke, in-line six cylinder, direct injection, intercooled, turbocharged petrol engine
* Carbon fibre monocoque open top chassis
* Driver line up:
o 007 Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D) , TBC
o 009 Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH)
* Intention to contend the full Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with one car
Gaydon 2 March 2011. Aston Martin Racing announces today its plans for the new season including the unveiling of a new ground-up developed LMP1 race car, the AMR-One, as well as confirming the driver line-up and planned race programme.
The Gulf Liveried Aston Martin AMR-One is a new open-top LMP1 race car featuring a 2.0 litre turbocharged six cylinder direct injection petrol engine which has been developed for a new bespoke carbon fibre chassis designed and manufactured by Aston Martin Racing.
Based on the new regulations for 2011 instigated by the Le Mans governing body; the ACO, Aston Martin Racing has chosen to change tack this year in designing an open cockpit car. In line with the new 2011 rules, the AMR-One features the new blade-fin and has a significantly down-sized engine in keeping with the championship's efficiency focused regulations. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed transverse semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox.
A total of six AMR-Ones will be built, with the factory team running one car in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) which includes the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and two cars at selected events. The AMR-One is linked to Aston Martin's ultimate design and engineering showcase; the road going One-77; both of which share similar philosophies featuring carbon fibre monocoques. Aston Martin's in-house design team worked closely with the engineers at Aston Martin Racing to find the optimum balance between aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: "Aston Martin's heritage is deeply rooted in endurance sports car racing, so in 2011, we take the next step demonstrating that a small team using advanced design and engineering intelligence will be agile and competitive."
The driver line up for 2011 will consist of Darren Turner (GB) Stefan Mücke (D) and another driver yet to be announced, who will join the team piloting the 007 car. Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH) will be teaming up to drive the 009 car.
Aston Martin Racing Chairman, David Richards said: "George and the team have been extremely busy over the winter months and they have been working day and night to produce what is not only a stunningly beautiful race car but one which will use the new ACO regulations to best effect.
"Just like the road cars, the AMR-One has been elegantly engineered where simplicity runs throughout to produce what we expect to be a competitive and reliable endurance racer."
Team Principal George Howard-Chappell said: "We have chosen to run with a six cylinder turbocharged engine because we believe this offers the best potential within the petrol engine regulations. With the ACO's commitment to effectively balance the performance of petrol and diesel Le Mans entrants – our hopes are high that we'll see the closest racing yet in the premiere LMP1 category.
It is expected that Aston Martin Racing will contend selected races in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with rounds in the United States (Petit Le Mans), Belgium (Spa), France (Le Mans), Italy (Imola), England (Silverstone) and China (TBC) and make its debut at Paul Ricard on the 1-3 April 2011.
The AMR-One is expected to test for the first time in early March.
Aston Martin AMR-ONE LMP1 Car Technical Specification
Chassis– Aston Martin Carbon Fibre Monocoque 'open' style construction, load bearing engine with steel frame to help rigidity.
Configuration– Mid engine rear wheel drive
Engine– In line 6 cylinder, direct injected, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC Petrol engine, 4 valves per cylinder. Approx 540bhp, 6 speed Xtrac
Gearbox– Bespoke 6 speed, transverse, semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox
Suspension– All round double wishbone, push-rod activated Koni dampers with third spring/damper, front and rear. Front Anti roll bar
Steering– Rack and Pinion with electrical power assistance
Aerodynamics - to current LMP1 regulations developed via CFD in conjunction with Totalsim, including latest regulation fin.
Electronics– Full Cosworth electronics systems including engine ECU, data system and telemetry. Full military spec wiring harness and connectors.
Wheels and Tyres – Michelin tyres, 36/71 x 18 front and 37/71 x 18 rear mounted on TWS forged magnesium wheels.
Brakes– Brembo six pot calipers fitted front and rear, Carbon 380mm diameter front and 355mm diameter rear discs with carbon pads
Dimensions:
Length 4640mm
Width 1990mm
Wheelbase 2930mm
Minimum weight 900Kg
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