reduce vortex generation; the converging duct will accelerate airflow out behind it, and the dive plane underside would make lower pressure making it more useful. Although the vortices might create very turbulent and unpredictable flow along with more drag.
The front of the Strakka nose structure had a revised aero concept for the S103, which is totally different to any other LMP2 design. It features a very narrow front crash structure, rather more like a raised nose open wheel car. The towing eye is hidden inside the front support section. Further back the car has very wide and long double mainplane above the foot plate of the car.
This section allows air to pass through in a big volume. This same concept has been implemented to LMP1 cars for some time, and recently made its way to the Ligier JS P2. It’s a great way to reduce frontal drag, by allowing lots of air to pass through and out via the side pods.
The S103 is very open at the front, compared to the normal design in LMP2 racing. Air will exit via the side louvres on the side impact structure, it will also pass lots of vanes inside the car, so it’s neater as it exits.
For the engine the Strakka LMP2 car has the new and updated Nissan VK45 engine, of which was developed by popular company Gibson. It’s a normally aspirated 4.4L V8, which means no turbochargers are mounted on the car. When looking at the rear engine packaging, Strakka fitted a peculiar exhaust which is very long. It’s unknown what the reason behind it is.
The engine produces around 450BHP, which is put onto the road by the super strong Xtract 6 speed gearbox. For rear suspension you can witness the coil spring suspension on top of the transmission. The car also has double wishbone, push rod all round, with aluminium torsion bar up front, in the bulkhead, with six pot callipers brakes all round.
The overall design is very strong from Dome, the low-drag philosophy remains. But it is a question whether the 3D printed parts can live up expectation. Time will tell.
LMP2 has seen some fantastic cars over the years, but we have reached the pinnacle of P2 racing, there is just no more to give with the current regulations.
The excitement for 2017 is very clear from any racing fan, as the cars will be a lot safer and have even more advanced aerodynamics, and more importantly, faster.
Image: Nick Holland