For me, the greatest and most prestigious motoring even in the world is the Le Mans 24 Hour Race. It’s where motoring royalty – in terms of both drivers and manufacturers – come out to strut their stuff on the world stage. 
Now Aston Martin, the British sports car maker, wants a piece of the action. To achieve this, the company has developed the AMR-One: a mid-engined racer powered by a 540 bhp turbocharged in-line six. The body is a carbon fibre monocoque underpinned by a carbon fibre chassis.
Team Principal George Howard-Chappell explains the choice of engine:
“We have chosen to run with a six cylinder turbocharged engine because we believe this offers the best potential within the petrol engine regulations. With the ACO’s ommitment to effectively balance the performance of petrol and diesel Le Mans entrants – our hopes are high that we’ll see the closest racing yet in the premiere LMP1 category.”
The AMR-One is rear wheel drive with a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox and was developed almost entirely in-house. In terms of drivers, AM has organised an impressive team that includes Brit Darren Turner, German Stefan Mücke and Mexican Adrian Fernandez.
Aston’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez is unsurprisingly confident in his team of both engineers and drivers:
“[Our] heritage is deeply rooted in endurance sports car racing, so in 2011, we take the next step demonstrating that a small team using advanced design and engineering intelligence will be agile and competitive.”
The company hopes the AMR-One will make its racing debut at the 59th Mobile 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Race in mid-March. It also hopes to take on all seven rounds of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. As always you can check out our full image gallery and leave your comments in the section provided.
By Tristan Hankins
Aston Martin AMR-ONE LMP1 Car Technical Specification
Chassis – Aston Martin Carbon Fibre Monocoque ‘open’ style construction, load bearing engine with steel frame to help rigidity.
Configuration – Mid engine rear wheel drive
Engine – In line 6 cylinder, direct injected, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC Petrol engine, 4 valves per cylinder. Approx 540bhp, 6 speed Xtrac
Gearbox – Bespoke 6 speed, transverse, semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox
Suspension – All round double wishbone, push-rod activated Koni dampers with third spring/damper, front and rear. Front Anti roll bar
Steering – Rack and Pinion with electrical power assistance
Aerodynamics - to current LMP1 regulations developed via CFD in conjunction with Totalsim, including latest regulation fin.
Electronics – Full Cosworth electronics systems including engine ECU, data system and telemetry. Full military spec wiring harness and connectors.
Wheels and Tyres – Michelin tyres, 36/71 x 18 front and 37/71 x 18 rear mounted on TWS forged magnesium wheels.
Brakes – Brembo six pot calipers fitted front and rear, Carbon 380mm diameter front and 355mm diameter rear discs with carbon pads
Dimensions:
Length 4640mm
Width 1990mm
Wheelbase 2930mm
Minimum weight 900Kg
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Not surprising, given the fact that you can find examples of the XK8 for as low as $8,000, with KBB suggesting a retail value of around $12,000 for a pristine 1999 model with the same mileage (95,000 miles). Heck, for under 50 grand you can actually get a real Aston Martin as we found 2002/2003 DB7s going for around $45,000 on eBay. Photos and video follow after the break.
