WWYR: Prototype GTE-Am Edition [POLL]

"Wheelerguy" (wheelerguy)
04/05/2016 at 10:10 • Filed to: WWYR, Renault Sport R.S.01, Ford GT GTE-Pro

Let’s say Renault ran a factory GTE-Pro version of the RS01 next year under the Alpine name (and by extension, they’d have come up with a road-going version of the car to be eligible). As per WEC GTE rules, privateers can only get a hold of last-season-spec cars. By 2018, both the Renault and the Ford are eligible for privateers to run.

These two cars walk the fine line between GT and Prototype, but such middle ground oftentimes prove to be one wicked potent weapon to win all the races. Now, you, a hypothetical GTE-Am team owner, will decide which car would you run in the World Endurance Championship.

Choose.

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DISCUSSION (16)

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Wheelerguy
04/05/2016 at 00:15

Dammit. Both is not an option.

chaozbandit > Wheelerguy
04/05/2016 at 00:17

Last I recalled, the BOPd RS01 was horrendously slow compared to the spec it runs out of the factory. Something to do with the increased weight, reduced power, and changes in aero needed to get it checking the right GT3 boxes.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Wheelerguy
04/05/2016 at 00:21

Renault, because it’s more different?

slipperysallylikespenguins > Wheelerguy
04/05/2016 at 00:21

The GT just doesn’t do it for me. I don’t think it looks very good and the tech doesn’t interest me at all. But since they both have similar powertrains, the looks are the deciding factor, and the Renault looks significantly better to me.

camaroboy68ss > Wheelerguy
04/05/2016 at 00:38

if I can run what ever motor I wanted to in the chassis, I would go GT just so I can stick a Chevy V8 race motor in it, other wise I wouldn’t run either car.

Ryanator122 > Wheelerguy
04/05/2016 at 04:58

Probably the RS01 since Ford said there would be no customer cars (and thus, no spares support if you DID somehow get a car)

Ryanator122 > camaroboy68ss
04/05/2016 at 04:59

And make it slower and less efficient? Not great for top-flight endurance racing...

$kaycog > Wheelerguy
04/05/2016 at 10:16

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EL_ULY > Wheelerguy
04/05/2016 at 10:21

C7.R because VICTORY! and the body is the closest to OEM

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Ryanator122
04/05/2016 at 10:28

The engines weigh about the same, will take up roughly the same space, and as far as efficiency goes, to get the same power you’ll need the same amount of fuel. The only way to increase racing efficiency is with a diesel or an electric assist.

I doubt there’s any inherent advantage to either setup, apart from personal preference. And, of course, the fact that the Chevy engine has proven very reliable whereas the Ford has not...

Ryanator122 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
04/05/2016 at 15:54

They may take up the same volume, but I’m guessing the V6-T can be packaged better.

Currently, I think the Ford has direct injection, which the LS does not.

If the V8 was really a better option, why haven’t they been using the Coyote 5.0?

The “LS everything” mentality does not apply to $850k+ GTE cars. I suspect Corvette will move to direct injection or forced induction (or both) on the C8.R.

GT3 on the other hand...

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Ryanator122
04/05/2016 at 16:16

Maybe, maybe not. I know nothing about it and am going to abstain from further discussion on that particular point.

They updated the engine when the LT engines came out. The C7R has direct injection.

I never said the V8 was better or worse, I said that I didn’t think your view that it would be slower was correct. However, for the sake of the argument I’ll defend that view anyway... #1, Ford wants to push the Ecoboost name. #2, they wouldn’t be using a Coyote, they’d use a Voodoo. #3, They don’t offer the GT with a V8, so iirc they can’t use one in the racer either.

Refer to the last point. It’s not an “LS everything” mentality, it’s just I don’t think that the V8 would be either an advantage or a disadvantage, with the possible exception of reliability. Remeber, Chevy is playing with a proven race engine, not a brand new engine. Ford will (probably) sort things out, but as of right now this holds true. Point is, it’s merely a personal preference on the part of camaroboy68ss and as the vehicle would not likely suffer any negative side effects, then who cares. Do it. Corvette already has direct injection, and the reasons they stayed away from forced induction were: #1, F/I engines have a displacement cap of 4.5L and they didn’t want to go smaller. #2, you can only offer a turbo if the road version came with one. #3, they had a solid engine design already with plenty of life left in it.

Yup, we know how that story ends.

Ryanator122 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
04/05/2016 at 16:53

This is a well-thought and valid argument BUT...

The GT was designed as a racing car first. It’s a throwback to the “homologation specials” of the 90s. If they wanted it to have a V8, the road car would've had a V8.

Ryanator122 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
04/05/2016 at 16:54

Also, Ford’s engine isn't new. They've been using it in Daytona Prototypes (and I believe the Project Libra P2 car) for like 3 years now.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Ryanator122
04/05/2016 at 17:11

OK, my bad.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Ryanator122
04/05/2016 at 17:13

Exactly. They didn’t want one.