Duqueine D-08 Explained

Chassis:Carbon Monocoque
Races:160
Titles:7
Brakes:AP Racing ventilated discs, 6-pot caliper
Length:4600mm
Width:1900mm
Wheelbase:2940mm
Teams Champ:3 (2021 European Le Mans Series), (2020 Le Mans Cup), (2023 Prototype Cup Germany)
Debut:2020 Le Mans Cup
Fuel:Various
Lubricants:Various
Tyres:Michelin
Drivers Champ:4 (2021 European Le Mans Series), (2020 Le Mans Cup), (2022 Prototype Challenge), (2023 Prototype Cup Germany)
Engine Name:Nissan VK56 V8 5.6L
Gearbox Name:6-speed sequential gearbox XTrac 1152
Wins:46
Predecessor:Norma M30
Technical Ref:[1]
Weight:960kg
Power:455hp
Front Suspension:Double triangle, pushers - rockers, with 3-way shock absorbers, Adjustable anti-roll bars & 3rd adjustable element front and rear
Rear Suspension:As Front
Category:LMP3
Constructor:Duqueine Engineering
Designer:Olivier Miriel

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]

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.[6] 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.[7]

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.[8] [9] 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.[10]

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.[11] 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]

Notes and References

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