Sportscar/GT (and Le Mans) Rumours and Repetition

[Victor_RO]

J -2 means that they'll reveal what's under the cover in two days' time. It's J for "jour" ("day" in French).

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

J -2 means that they'll reveal what's under the cover in two days' time. It's J for "jour" ("day" in French).

Thank you!

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

Apparently it's called the "J-2"



Anybody know what the Oreca J-1 was?

A helmet

[KlBD]

Anyone think that whatever Oreca unveils will be similar to the CN prototype Norma showed off today? Either way, we will know tomorrow...!

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by KlBD

Anyone think that whatever Oreca unveils will be similar to the CN prototype Norma showed off today? Either way, we will know tomorrow...!

Unless CN is becoming a much bigger thing next year than it is right now I wouldn't think so.

[pablocomics]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

Unless CN is becoming a much bigger thing next year than it is right now I wouldn't think so.

It would become something bigger if the CN group become a new class of the ELMS

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by pablocomics

It would become something bigger if the CN group become a new class of the ELMS

Yeah, that's one possibility I could see.

The other one (well, more a dream of mine than a real possibility) is some manufacturers getting behind CN and turning it into a platform for national top level championships for countries that don't have full blown GT3 or touring car series or are struggling to maintain those.

Not that it would ever happen, but that could make for a pretty neat series, especially if more chassis manufacturers switch to coupes and if some styling cues of the respective manufacturers (kinda like the Caddy grill on their LMP) could be included in the chassis. Running costs for CN should be pretty reasonable compared to S2000 or GT3.

[Speed-King]

Well, turns out it actually IS a CN!

[lms]

awesome looking car!! these nice looking protos should totally replace those boring flm cars!

[Simmi]

Not what I wanted to be under the cover - as nice as it does look.

[isynge]

With Norma and Oreca both building CN class coupes I think we might be starting to see some traction behind this becoming the future for regional championships and forming part of a ladder running into fully LMS prototype racing.

Indeed given the travails of the ELMS and the persistent question marks about the ACO's Asian ambitions does this route offer potential for taking the place of LMPC in the full series, at a lower priced point of entry and with more technical variety?

[Speed-King]

Let's see how long that lower price point stays where it is...

Oreca really is the fox in the hen house here, either prices increase or we get an F3 like situation where everybody ends up with the same chassis.

Though that wouldn't change too much for VdeV, it was dangerously close to spec-Norma in years passed.

However it turns out, it'll be nice while it lasts.
Now if we could get some engine competition...

[rich07]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Not what I wanted to be under the cover - as nice as it does look.

+1

[CTD]

Originally Posted by KlBD

Do you guys think it's possible this isn't an LMP at all, but instead a sports car like the Aquila CR1?

Turns out you where right!
Well done mate!

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Not what I wanted to be under the cover - as nice as it does look.

[R4z3rw33n]

Originally Posted by isynge

With Norma and Oreca both building CN class coupes I think we might be starting to see some traction behind this becoming the future for regional championships and forming part of a ladder running into fully LMS prototype racing.

Indeed given the travails of the ELMS and the persistent question marks about the ACO's Asian ambitions does this route offer potential for taking the place of LMPC in the full series, at a lower priced point of entry and with more technical variety?

This is what I'm thinking. It's interesting to see multiple P2 manufacturers pursuing this route in the current climate - considering the apparent lack of profitability in P2 chassis provision.
I wish them all the best. If it's a decent, cost-effective alternative to spec racing, any growth is entirely deserved.

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

Well, turns out it actually IS a CN!

So this is the future of entry-level LMP, eh? But still, will it replace Formula Le Mans/Le Mans Prototype Challenge (or Daytona Prototypes) with that car?

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

So this is the future of entry-level LMP, eh? But still, will it replace Formula Le Mans/Le Mans Prototype Challenge (or Daytona Prototypes) with that car?

Depends on what view the ACO takes regarding CN cars. Perhaps now with Oreca's involvement they might get a tap on the shoulder and focus on the potential in that direction instead of LMPC...

[Nick6]

Makes sense to build a CN car these days. The LMP1 market all but doesn't exist and LMP2 is limited and competitive.

[ger80]

Let's have a CN thread please

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by ger80

Let's have a CN thread please

I think there actually was one at some point. Let's see if I can find it.

There it is: http://tentenths.com/forum/showthrea...prototype+VdeV

Last post from 2010, though.

[CTD]

Well, lets revive it!

[Articus]

What if Toyota is contemplating a name change in 2014 or 2015 for its sportscar team? What if they plan to give Lexus more exposure? Its would basically be a mirror of Volkswagen does. Toyota switches to WRC and Lexus races WEC while Audi/Porsche race WEC and Volkswagen races in WRC. They would be cleverly blindsiding the ACO/FIA. Because yes Toyota will leave the WEC irregardless hoping to have already poached favorable petrol regs only for Lexus to take its place. Then Toyota could compete against Volkswagen which is honestly there main competitor in the global automarket right now. Toyota is to Japan as what Volkswagen is to Germany. and similarly all of there models lineup to compete against each other. Toyota is if not bigger than just Volkswagen. They both have numerous subsidiaries.

Wouldnt it be likely for them to follow the same logic in allowing there premium brands to race WEC(Where brand exposure is targetted towards the market that WEC attracts). The average joe brands(Toyota/VW) to race WRC where they areas and more remote locations in big countries where the market is small toyota's/ Volkswagen.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Articus

What if Toyota is contemplating a name change in 2014 or 2015 for its sportscar team? What if they plan to give Lexus more exposure? Its would basically be a mirror of Volkswagen does. Toyota switches to WRC and Lexus races WEC while Audi/Porsche race WEC and Volkswagen races in WRC. They would be cleverly blindsiding the ACO/FIA. Because yes Toyota will leave the WEC irregardless hoping to have already poached favorable petrol regs only for Lexus to take its place. Then Toyota could compete against Volkswagen which is honestly there main competitor in the global automarket right now. Toyota is to Japan as what Volkswagen is to Germany. and similarly all of there models lineup to compete against each other. Toyota is if not bigger than just Volkswagen. They both have numerous subsidiaries.

Wouldnt it be likely for them to follow the same logic in allowing there premium brands to race WEC(Where brand exposure is targetted towards the market that WEC attracts). The average joe brands(Toyota/VW) to race WRC where they areas and more remote locations in big countries where the market is small toyota's/ Volkswagen.

Hmm, don't see it happening, as the PR gained with a Le Mans entry would be wasted with Lexus's limited market. The PR from Le Mans is much better suited on the Toyota brand itself.
Remember that Lexus isn't a strong marque in Europe, and the competition in the Toyota/VW/Peugeot market is fierce, and every single form of PR is valuable!

[Articus]

So then is it probable that Toyota races in the WRC and WEC. Otherwise they would just be losing out to VW group regardless of what series they run.