[LM24] Nissan return to Le Mans (G56)

[gustavobamba]

If Nissan deltawing manage to lap at 3m 42:612s and reach 309 km/h, what would be the figures of the Zeod Rc????????


Deltawing had what 500 kg and 300 bhp?????

Zeod Rc will weight what???? and produce 400 bhp.

Will Zeod RC beat the lap time and top speed of Deltawing?????

[Velociraptor]

I wonder if their LMP1 engine will be just a 4 cylinder extension of this block? Or maybe a 3 liter V6 Turbo(2 x 1.5)

[optica]

Originally Posted by gustavobamba

If Nissan deltawing manage to lap at 3m 42:612s and reach 309 km/h, what would be the figures of the Zeod Rc????????


Deltawing had what 500 kg and 300 bhp?????

Zeod Rc will weight what???? and produce 400 bhp.

Will Zeod RC beat the lap time and top speed of Deltawing?????

The ACO limited the Deltawing to 3.45 so 3.42s were probably slapped wrist excursions. Michael Krumm thought they could have dipped into the 3.30s given another qualifying session and permission to do it.
Given 400bhp and probably improved aero from the original DW it looks as though 3.30s must be easily in reach for the Zeod provided the ACO will allow it.

[gustavobamba]

Originally Posted by optica

The ACO limited the Deltawing to 3.45 so 3.42s were probably slapped wrist excursions. Michael Krumm thought they could have dipped into the 3.30s given another qualifying session and permission to do it.
Given 400bhp and probably improved aero from the original DW it looks as though 3.30s must be easily in reach for the Zeod provided the ACO will allow it.

If Nissan goes to LMP1 why no allow it. They must know where they are in terms of lap times.

[optica]

Originally Posted by gustavobamba

If Nissan goes to LMP1 why no allow it. They must know where they are in terms of lap times.

Because the ACO doesn't want a Garage 56 project interfering with the other regular classes especially those at the quicker end of the race.

[CTD]

Let's not forget that Nissan still want to prove the concept of Electric drive with the ZEOD, and this might restrict the pace of the car.

[optica]

Originally Posted by CTD

Let's not forget that Nissan still want to prove the concept of Electric drive with the ZEOD, and this might restrict the pace of the car.

If I have read it right the electrical power side of the Zeod will be relying on re-generative braking to charge the batteries for each of the "electric only" laps. Presumably the IC powered mode will be fairly orthodox otherwise.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by optica

If I have read it right the electrical power side of the Zeod will be relying on re-generative braking to charge the batteries for each of the "electric only" laps. Presumably the IC powered mode will be fairly orthodox otherwise.

Yes, but the energy required to run a full lap at Le Mans, is more than what can be recaptured over a single lap.
Therefor the energy storing will have to have the capacity for multiple laps, and as we know, the current "less than one lap" storage weights a good deal. Therefor the storage will have to weigh a lot more.

[optica]

Originally Posted by CTD

Yes, but the energy required to run a full lap at Le Mans, is more than what can be recaptured over a single lap.
Therefor the energy storing will have to have the capacity for multiple laps, and as we know, the current "less than one lap" storage weights a good deal. Therefor the storage will have to weigh a lot more.

The weight of the required batteries to get sufficient power for the electric only lap must be a factor I agree. That must depend on whatever battery tech they are using....Perhaps the weight advantage gained from the lighter engine will compensate for any extra battery weight & electric motors....There are still too many unknowns at the moment so guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Mike E]

I seem to recall from a few months ago that the intention is to run about 12 laps on petrol power at roughly LMP2 pace and then 1 lap on battery power at roughly GTE pace for each stint.

[Mal]

It seems clear to me that Nissan will be pushing for a lower weight / smaller engine option within LMP1 which is why there were all the veiled comments about need the rules to allow what they have in mind.

Personally I think if efficiency really is to be promoted then it would be interesting to see what they could do.

[FstrthnU]

According to Wired, the Zeod will run the first lap of each stint on electric power only then switch to the engine after that.

[deltawing]

Originally Posted by FstrthnU

According to Wired, the Zeod will run the first lap of each stint on electric power only then switch to the engine after that.

It makes a lot more sense to actually drive on gasoline, charge the battery for the 10-11-12 laps and then, without worries just run out of gasoline. If you can make entire lap of the circuit on batteries, it means that you can run out of gasoline anywhere and still make it to the pits to refuel. This will allow some very good maximizing of your tank capacity and you do not have to carry few pounds of extra fuel around, which you never burn.

The whole system could be designed in a way that shuts the engine off the moment it senses there is nothing left in the tank, this way the fuel lines do not go on dry and restarting is not problematic.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by FstrthnU

According to Wired, the Zeod will run the first lap of each stint on electric power only then switch to the engine after that.

Sounds like misunderstood press release:

Wired: "According to Nissan, each stint — the time spent on track between pit stops — will last about one hour. The first lap will be run on electricity alone, and when the battery is depleted, internal combustion will allow the car to complete the stint."

PR: "A single lap of each stint (a fuel “stint” lasts approximately one hour) will be electric powered, then the new Nissan DIG-T R 1.5 liter three-cylinder turbo engine will take over."

[TF110]

One lap on electric. Not the #1 lap on electric. Makes much more sense.

[TME45]

1lap electric, 11laps gas, 12 laps/ stints
so, will it go 13laps in first stints?
fully charged & full tank of gas before race start, 1st EV lap, 11 laps to charge again, 1 more ev lap, total 13 laps

[optica]

Bit of an update with some footage of engine....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIyjEOZCwTw

[Mike E]

Lucas Ordonez has been confirmed as the first ZEOD driver for LM. No great surprise. He seems a very adaptable fellow.

[GTfour]

It is a very special little powerplant though isn't it? I can't wait to see this strange little piece of scifi blasting across La Sarthe's track. I do so hope it belches some nice flames from the pipe...

[TF110]

Originally Posted by GTfour

It is a very special little powerplant though isn't it? I can't wait to see this strange little piece of scifi blasting across La Sarthe's track. I do so hope it belches some nice flames from the pipe...

I cant wait to see how it evolves into their lmp1 package (the powertrain).

[GTfour]

Originally Posted by TF110

I cant wait to see how it evolves into their lmp1 package (the powertrain).

600bhp single turbo V6?

[miatanut]

Originally Posted by TF110

I cant wait to see how it evolves into their lmp1 package (the powertrain).

What would they have to change on the ZEOD to meet P1?

Most dimensions are maximums, so you could design something smaller.

It's under weight.
It doesn't pass the 2-seater test, although the DW used a 2-seater tub, and one could create a 2-seater enclosed version.
What are the rules for the bottom of the car? Maybe it doesn't meet those.
The drive train is outside of the rules, but it would be possible to use the new engine in a drive train that does meet the rules.

Is it possible that in most ways, the ZEOD does comply with the rules?

[TF110]

Originally Posted by miatanut

What would they have to change on the ZEOD to meet P1?

Most dimensions are maximums, so you could design something smaller.

It's under weight.
It doesn't pass the 2-seater test, although the DW used a 2-seater tub, and one could create a 2-seater enclosed version.
What are the rules for the bottom of the car? Maybe it doesn't meet those.
The drive train is outside of the rules, but it would be possible to use the new engine in a drive train that does meet the rules.

Is it possible that in most ways, the ZEOD does comply with the rules?

I care little for the car. I said the powertrain will be interesting to watch.

[miatanut]

Originally Posted by TF110

I care little for the car. I said the powertrain will be interesting to watch.

Implied in that is that is you look forward to an evolution of that powertrain in a conventional LMP1. Maybe it will be a very unconventional LMP1.

Maybe they go to ACO and say they want to run at 2/3 the minimum weight, but they will also agree to run at 2/3 the standard fuel allocation. Maybe just 60% of the standard fuel allocation. If the car meets all other dimensions but weight, that might be an appealing concept for the ACO to say "yes" to.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by miatanut

Most dimensions are maximums, so you could design something smaller.

But a lot of the rulebook is spent explaining what is between the maximum widths and lengths and then these things having their own measurements and thus creating some practical minimum measurements, so I don't think just making things smaller would work. And minimum width is actually 1800mm, no minimum for length.