Duqueine D-08
CategoryLMP3
ConstructorDuqueine Engineering
Designer(s)Olivier Miriel
PredecessorNorma M30
Technical specifications[1]
ChassisCarbon Monocoque
Suspension (front)Double triangle, pushers - rockers, with 3-way shock absorbers, Adjustable anti-roll bars & 3rd adjustable element front and rear
Suspension (rear)As Front
Length4600mm
Width1900mm
Wheelbase2940mm
EngineNissan VK56 V8 5.6L
Transmission6-speed sequential gearbox XTrac 1152
Power455hp
Weight960kg
FuelVarious
LubricantsVarious
BrakesAP Racing ventilated discs, 6-pot caliper
TyresMichelin
Competition history
Debut2020 Le Mans Cup
RacesWinsTitles
160467
Teams' Championships3 (2021 European Le Mans Series), (2020 Le Mans Cup), (2023 Prototype Cup Germany)
Drivers' Championships4 (2021 European Le Mans Series), (2020 Le Mans Cup), (2022 Prototype Challenge), (2023 Prototype Cup Germany)

The Duqueine D-08 is a Le Mans Prototype LMP3 built to ACO 2020 2nd Generation Le Mans Prototype LMP3 regulations. It was designed, and built by Duqueine Engineering, which bought out Norma Auto Concept.[2] The car is the successor to the Norma M30. The car can be built from its predecessor, and is set to be eligible in a series of Championships worldwide, such as the European Le Mans Series, and the IMSA Prototype Challenge.[3] While the car was launched on the weekend of the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans, it was not physically seen until September 2019, with the car at Le Mans being a repainted M30.[4][5][6]

Developmental history

On 23 May 2018, the Automobile Club de I'Ouest announced a brief outline for the 2020 Generation 2 Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) regulations, alongside new chassis models from four approved manufacturers – Onroak Automotive (Ligier), Duqueine Automotive (Norma), ADESS AG and Ginetta being announced as granted homologation for the new ruleset.[7] On 7 February 2019, the ACO announced the new 2nd Generation Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) regulations, with full implementation due by 2021, and with the cars being expected to be raced from 2020 to 2024.[8]

Following the unveiling of the car in June 2019, the car underwent its shakedown at Le Pôle Mécanique Alès-Cévennes, with Romain Dumas, at the wheel, before testing moved to the Circuit Paul Ricard, with Nico Jamin at the wheel. David Droux was also involved in the tests. The tests were delayed, due to Duqueine being the last constructor to receive the new, upsized Nissan V8.[9][10] The car had its public track debut during the post-season testing for the 2019 European Le Mans Series, at the Algarve International Circuit, in Portimão, alongside the Ligier JS P320.[11]

Key differences between the Norma M30 and the Duqueine D-08 include a re-designed front-splitter, modified side pods, a new engine cover and rear wing.[6] Compared to the other 2020 LMP3 cars, the D-08 was 10 kg heavier for the 2020 season, due to a weight penalty being imposed on the car as a result of a late submission of homologation paperwork.[12]

References

  1. ^ "Duqueine D-08 Technical Specifications". Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  2. ^ Dagys, John. "Duqueine Mobility Acquires Norma – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  3. ^ "It's All Systems Go For LMP3 Gen II – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2019-08-21.
  4. ^ "24 Hours of Le Mans – The new 2020 LMP3s unveiled!". lemans.org (in French). Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  5. ^ Lloyd, Daniel. "All Four 2020 LMP3 Cars Break Cover at Le Mans – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  6. ^ a b "Duqueine Looking To Produce "15 To 20" D08 LMP3s In Year 1 – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  7. ^ Lloyd, Daniel. "ACO Confirms First Details of 2020 LMP3 Regulations – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2019-06-23.
  8. ^ "2020 LMP3 Regulations Revealed – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2019-06-23.
  9. ^ "2020 LMP3 Progress For ADESS, Ginetta & Ligier Continues – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  10. ^ "ELMS Post-Season News Notebook: Who's Staying, Who's Moving Up? – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  11. ^ "A First Look At Ligier & Duqueine's 2020 LMP3s On Track – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  12. ^ "10 kg de plus pour la Duqueine D08 LMP3 en 2020 | Endurance info" (in French). Retrieved 2019-11-20.
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