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|  | | February 10 2012 03:32:05 AM EST | |
| Corvette has let the wraps (get it?) off the 2012 livery developed by the GM Design Center at the Sebring test session where they're testing two brand new cars for the 2012 ALMS season.
Here's what we know:
• The ALMS has decided to allow all GT cars the same aerodynamic advantage BMW enjoyed last year meaning Corvette can mount their rear wing higher to achieve more downforce. The added downforce at the rear needed to be matched in the front so canards have been added for the first time.
• The cars are 2 inches wider than last year to match Ferrari, adding wheel offset in the rear and extending the control arms in the front. This increased offset also allows 1/2 inch to be added to the width of each tire.
• Modified engine management software and a redesigned intake manifold mean better fuel efficiency and more power.
• New tire compounds from Michelin will offer better wear than last year's without compromising grip, allowing the Vettes to put in more laps on the track between pit stops. |
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Just back from Sebring, the new Vettes are fast, the equal of Ferrari or BMW at least, and both cars and all 6 drivers showed very good pace throughout the race. Sadly, the same can't be said for Team Corvette's pit crews, they were pretty consistently beaten off pit lane by Team BMW, and that needs to change for us to take the title this season. I saw us come in ahead on at least 4 stops, and leave several seconds back, leaving the drivers to regain the advantage they had on the track. We need to do some pit stop homework before the next race, keep the cars up front through the stops.
--- GS10tk from Syracuse, NY on 03.24.12 at 2:31am