Nissan’s new DeltaWing prototype sportscar is garnering a lot of attention thanks to its unique appearance as it looks like a cross between the Batmobile and a land-speed record racer.
For the Japanese company and its racing partners, however, it’s all about getting the car ready for its racing debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.
On Tuesday, Nissan’s experimental sportcar kicked off its European testing program in England at Snetterton, with Scotsman Marino Franchitti and German Michael Krumm getting their first chance to drive the car in wet conditions.
After completing the first runs, Marino Franchitti, commented: “Mother nature really did us a favour today, because it was great to get another run in the wet. The engine and gearbox were really strong – it was a proper testing day when we were really able to get down to business doing damper work, brake work – all in all, it was a very positive test and we’re now very much looking forward to the next run.”
Nissan’s second driver, Michael Krumm was also pleased with the test runs in the wet.
“We’ve made some changes to the car including the steering which is now a lot better,” he said. “Everyone was wondering before the car ran whether it would turn – in fact it probably turned too well and we have made some improvements in that area.
The DeltaWing is powered by a 1.6-litrer Nissan DIG-T turbocharged four-cylinder engine, believed to make around 300-horses. According to Nissan, while the racing model features half the horsepower it also has half the weight and half the aerodymamic drag of a traditional Le Mans sportscar.
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