Model Number : 80354
Category : Racing
Scale : 1:18 Die Cast Models
Make : BENTLEY
Weight : 2kg After 73 years without a
victory, Bentley��s Speed 8 claimed first and second place at the 2003
Le Mans 24-hour race. It also set a new Le Mans record by completing
377 laps in a 24-hour race.
The 2003 car still features enclosed bodywork, which means that it
remains in a class of its own in the Le Mans GTP category. The engine
retains its basic architecture: a 4-liter V8 with direct fuel injection
and twin turbochargers. The concept driving the design has been the
need to better exploit the airflow over the body, in particular to the
rear wing. To achieve this the external cockpit area has been greatly
reduced, although not at the expense of the space inside which has been
increased. The overall result has been the ability to fit a much
smaller and more aerodynamic engine cover. The air intake that had sat
on the top of the car with previous Speed 8s has been replaced by two
snorkel-like intakes on the sides of the car. This has not only further
increased the efficiency of the airflow over the vehicle but also
lowered the height of the car. Underneath the new skin the 4-liter
engine has been re-engineered to meet the new regulations for 2003,
which dictate a 10 per cent reduction in engine restrictor size across
all classes competing at Le Mans.
Michelin tyres have been used for 2003, replacing last year��s Dunlop
tyres. |
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