WEC Toyota LMP1 Discussion

Gingers4Justice · 19 Dec 2013, 00:59 (Ref:3345736)

The never-ending Toyota thread which was started with news of the DOME test mule is becoming hard to follow. It think just like the R18, the TS040 deserves its own thread.

A good place to start is with news that Alex Wurz has headed to Cologne for a seat fitting:

Quote:

Now on way to TMG @Toyota_Hybrid to do seat fitting for new car + xmas party :-)

https://twitter.com/alex_wurz

We know the car will turn its first laps in an as yet unannounced location - but I'd put good money on it being Ricard, if you're bothered by such details.

We also know Mike Conway has joined the driving team as a reserve driver, likely meaning he will replace Kaz Nakajima when he's off racing in other series - and maybe, just maybe, he could be one third of the final car in a three-pronged Toyota assault at La Sarthe.

For some reason, I've got it in my head that Toyota are planning to run a V8 with greater capacity? I can't find the source after a good long search.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing what Toyota can bring to the table. The Porsche 919 is the beauty, the R18 is the beast. What will the TS040 be?

deltawing · 19 Dec 2013, 01:25 (Ref:3345738)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

.... The Porsche 919 is the beauty, the R18 is the beast. What will the TS040 be?

If they nail the aero, it will be The Winner! Aero is going to be almost as key as all the new energy management, as aero plays huge role when it comes to efficiency. The new Audi and the Porsche do not strike with anything radically new for aero efficiency, which could be of great importance if Toyota pulls out some out of the box thinking and comes up with a car that is significantly more aero efficient. I hope they do something dramatically different, it will be so interesting to see what's coming.

Gingers4Justice · 19 Dec 2013, 01:27 (Ref:3345740)

Quote:

Originally Posted by deltawing

If they nail the aero, it will be The Winner! Aero is going to be almost as key as all the new energy management, as aero plays huge role when it comes to efficiency. The new Audi and the Porsche do not strike with anything radically new for aero efficiency, which could be of great importance if Toyota pulls out some out of the box thinking and comes up with a car that is significantly more aero efficient. I hope they do something dramatically different, it will be so interesting to see what's coming.

I wouldn't disagree with that. TMG are more aero-minded from their F1 days in their opinion.

That said, the R18 and especially the 919 are very basic test cars. If either Audi or Porsche have a trick - or tricks - up their sleeves, they're unlikely to show them yet.

TF110 · 19 Dec 2013, 06:33 (Ref:3345808)

Think the TS030 had one of if not the best aero packages of the recent lmp's in terms of drag vs. downforce. It was their 2nd strongest aspect of the car. The first being the hybrid. The windtunnel at TMG is probably the best in the business. I know I am a Toyota fan, but these aren't my words.

gustavobamba · 19 Dec 2013, 09:42 (Ref:3345847)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TF110

Think the TS030 had one of if not the best aero packages of the recent lmp's in terms of drag vs. downforce. It was their 2nd strongest aspect of the car. The first being the hybrid. The windtunnel at TMG is probably the best in the business. I know I am a Toyota fan, but these aren't my words.

I´m a Porsche FAN but i agree with you, Toyota have (probably) the best Wind Tunnel. If is true that the car only be presented in March they are hidding something and my bet is "aero secret´s", because they have the best Hybrid system and they will optimize their V8 engine (more capacity), so their focus will be aero efficiency.
If they could gather the right budget and have a bit of luck they could match Audi, if not passed them ... "My" Porsche 919 is in there learning year so a podium could be possible, but next year they will go for the WIN...

JoestForEver · 19 Dec 2013, 11:09 (Ref:3345866)

Well, Ferrari used their wind tunnel for the 2013 F1 car, which is criticized heavily by Alonso.:-( Just kidding. I too hope to see some close racing of three rather than race of pit strategy.

gustavobamba · 19 Dec 2013, 11:13 (Ref:3345869)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoestForEver

Well, Ferrari used their wind tunnel for the 2013 F1 car, which is criticized heavily by Alonso.:-( Just kidding. I too hope to see some close racing of three rather than race of pit strategy.

Maybe he critized, not the TMG wind tunnel, but the Ferrari crew that work on the car

Acid09 · 19 Dec 2013, 11:55 (Ref:3345877)

Looks like Toyota plans to keep their cards close to their chest by not revealing the car until March.

Smart move, if it works out. It probably won't, even Porsche couldn't keep spy shots from appearing.

deggis · 19 Dec 2013, 13:18 (Ref:3345896)

Where has March been mentioned?

Brownj · 19 Dec 2013, 13:24 (Ref:3345899)

Quote:

Originally Posted by deggis

Where has March been mentioned?

http://tentenths.com/forum/showpost....postcount=6792

That's the only place I've seen it.

Bandicoot17 · 19 Dec 2013, 13:28 (Ref:3345902)

Was posted by the toyota twitter account

**joeb** · 19 Dec 2013, 14:14 (Ref:3345922)

Will this car be testing before being revealed in March? Because there is always the possibility of spy shots!

Gingers4Justice · 19 Dec 2013, 14:38 (Ref:3345932)

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeb

Will this car be testing before being revealed in March? Because there is always the possibility of spy shots!

I really do hope it does! That would put the TS040 at around the same sort of stage of development at Silverstone as where the 919 is now.

deggis · 19 Dec 2013, 14:38 (Ref:3345934)

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeb

Will this car be testing before being revealed in March? Because there is always the possibility of spy shots!

The tweet clearly refers to the official unveil, so very likely yes... but if they don't, they're going to be terribly late.

NelisB · 19 Dec 2013, 14:46 (Ref:3345937)

They're seat fitting at the moment. Which probably means at least one tub is ready. I don't expect it to take 3 months to get the rest of the bodywork ready. I guess they'll go testing in January.