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2011 HPD LMP1 Car Revealed

Highcroft has finally unveiled their new LMP1 version of the HPD, releasing photos of the prototype on their official website. The car, which marks HPD's return to the LMP1 class after its LMP2 experience in the American Le Mans Series last year, retains several elements of its 2010-spec machine, but also comes with some changes aimed at increasing its power and making it a contender in this year's Le Mans 24 Hours race.

The common elements to the last year's LMP2 car is the chassis and the engine, while some refinements have been made on the aerodynamic side, along with revised suspensions and the implementation of a new restrictor to boost its power.

There has been a lot work put in by the folks at Wirth Research on this chassis conversion,” said HPD vice president Steve Eriksen, trying to emphasize the fact that this year's car has been severely updated and changed as compared to its LMP2 predecessor.

It is not just a case of bolting on LMP1-sized wheels and installing a bigger restrictor. The work completed by both Wirth and Highcroft in a short space of time has to be applauded, and I believe we should have a package which should be very aerodynamically efficient and should achieve very strong results.”

He also argued HPD's decision to keep the engine used in last year's ALMS, admitting hopes that it will lead to the same amount of success in the LMP1 class as well. Highcroft HPD will debut the racer in next week's Sebring 12 Hour race, while also confirming presence in the Le Mans 24 Hour race in June.

The way the rules have gone this year, it seemed like a natural fit to take the engine that has been so successful in the LMP2 class and use the basis of that for the LMP1 class. (...) This package represents a good, solid base to compete in LMP1.
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