The technological university of Eindhoven dreams of the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans
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The technological university of Eindhoven dreams of the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans

At the research center of the Dutch university, a team of students is designing and developing of a technologically innovative racecar with as focus the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Explanations

For the project manager, Mark van Vught, the objective is clearly established: "We are not aiming for victory or a precise final result. What we want is to have the possibility to show the world what we have studied and built. The car of the future! A car that can be faster than a Formula 1 all while consumming half the energy!"

The IM01 is its name. The Dutch prototype will be equipped with a hybrid powertrain. Each wheel of the car will carry an electric engine coupled with a battery pack and these batteries will be recharged from the energy recovered during breaking. The main thermal engine will be a rotating block.

About 50 students are now working on this project whose first results will emerge from the research center this summer. The prototype of the future race car, the IM/e, will complete its first tests at Luxembourg to validate the concept's electrical aspects. The rest of the planning includes manufacturing the IM01 in the fall of 2015 to then debut at real tests at the Nürburgring circuit.

L’IM01 will probably be candidate for Garage 56 in 2017 A passionate project for teh students of the ’University of Eindhoven

So as to achieve top speeds near the LM P1s, the aerodynamic auto will be particularly worked. Proof of the level of preparation and competitive ambition, the heat generated by the rotating engine will be utilized to optimize the aerodynamic performances of the IM01. A candidacy and a project to follow closely…

Pierre-Yves Riom / ACO -Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

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