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But Le Mans 1999 should not be regarded as the end of the R8C program. After purchasing Bentley, the Volkswagen-Audi Group decided to resurrect the marque by returning it to Le Mans in 2001. RTN were given the job of building the Bentley EXP Speed 8 car, basing the design on the R8C. Looking remarkably similar from certain angles, the new car came third in 2001 and fourth in 2002 - trailing only Audi R8s on both occasions.
In 2003 the car finally triumphed, the first Bentley to do so for over 70 years. |
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Vehicle type: Le Mans GT prototype (LM-GTP) Dimensions: Length - 4800 mm Width - 2000 mm Height - 980 mm Minimum weight - 900 kgs Monocoque: Carbon fibre; crash structure ACO and FIA approved; steel safety cage Body: Carbon fibre Engine: V8, turbocharged, 90 degree cylinder angle, 4 valves per cylinder, 2 Garrett turbochargers; to comply with the rules, 2 x 33.9 mm air restrictors and boost pressure restricted to 1.87 bar (absolute) Engine management: Bosch MS 2.8 Engine lubrication: Dry sump, Shell Racing Oil SR Displacement: 3600 ccm Output: 640 bhp at 6300 revs Torque: 760 Nm at 5500 revs Power transmission: Rear-wheel drive Clutch: CFRP clutch Gearbox: Sequential 6-speed sports gearbox Differential: Multiple-disc limited-slip differential Driveshafts: Constant-velocity plunging tripod joint Steering: Mechanical rack-and-pinion steering, not servo-assisted Suspension: Independent double-wishbone suspension front and rear, Pushrod system with horizontal spring/damper unit, adjustable gas-filled shock absorbers Brakes: Hydraulic dual-circuit brake system, monobloc light-alloy brake callipers, ventilated carbon fibre brake discs at front and rear, brake force distribution driver adjustable Rims: OZ forged magnesium rims Front - 12.25 x 18 inches Rear - 13 x 18 inches Tyres: Michelin Radial Front - 29/65-18 Rear 31/71-18 Tank capacity: 90 litres
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