It's Nissan's new Le Mans prototype challenger. Look at all that front end real estate. Front engined and front wheel drive! They started with a nearly clean slate and came up with something decidedly different, even if it does look like every other prototype to those who aren't paying attention. There have been big-money manufacturer prototypes revealed almost every year lately but this one is different. That doesn't mean it will be successful but it is fascinating. Marshall Pruett: “I might have just seen the coolest, craziest racecar design I’ve ever come across.†Prior to its reveal yesterday there was a lot of speculation. Now the official covers are off and the motorsport press floodgates have opened. I expect things to quiet down soon since it won't race for some time but I'm fascinated so I've been soaking up all I can find. Best article I've seen so far, though a long read: Le Mans/WEC - PRUETT: Inside the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO LMP1 program There are plenty of good photos in that ^ article. Knowing it's a front-engine car, this photo, alone, is enough to keep my brain buzzing. Ben Bowlby answers questions about the car, tech, etc: Le Mans/WEC - WEC: Nissan LMP1 tech talk with Ben Bowlby Jalopnik take: The Nissan GT-R LM Nismo Is A Front-Wheel-Drive 1,250-hp Le Mans Racer
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gx_E23VpQQ"]GT-R LM NISMO - #GTR #HeroComesHome - YouTube[/ame] [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1koNs8EHeLY"]Nissan GT-R LM NISMO News Reel - YouTube[/ame]
Can't forget this one too.... [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3rBtzrgIEg"]Marc Gené: Nissan​ LM P1 Driver - YouTube[/ame]
Well that just plain sucks. That thing is probably faster than a MINI, so now we are only the second fastest front wheel drive automobile.
Gotta wonder about forward visibility on the track at night when flames pop out the top-mounted exhausts.
I hope its successful because that is about the ugliest f&*@$+& thing I've ever seen (with the exception of the F56).:cornut:
With prototypes form tends to follow function. Maybe that's why I like the way this one looks, they're trying something different and it shows. Doesn't really look so much like the other front engined prototype I used to love to watch.
Yep cut the top of the bubble off, slap on some white walls, amd wash it fown with acid and salt water... DONE!
Here, just for reference, is the story of the other front engined Panoz, the GTR-1. I love the bit about the struggle to find room for the driver: Panoz GTR-1 (motorsportretro.com)
I feel like it should have some kind of flash suppressor though, unless it's out of the driver's line of sight.
Some onboard here, w/ the flames. Still wondering how distracting they'll be. [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8Kzazvcc98"]GoPro: Onboard the 2015 Nissan LMP1 GT-R LM - YouTube[/ame]
Did anyone see that real short shot of him driving with the camera inside the car? His knees were up to his chin!