From GM... .
PONTIAC PURSUES REPEAT GRAND AMERICAN ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP WITH NEW GXP.R
Pontiac unveiled the GXP.R racecar, which will compete in the GT class of the 2007 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. The GXP.R hits the track running later this month at the famed Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona race in Florida.
With the bodywork inspired by the Pontiac G6 GXP Street edition coupe, the GXP.R is the next step in the evolution of a successful racing program that began with the purpose-built GTO.R. The GTO.R was retired after winning the 2006 GT championship; the new GXP.R is built on the same winning foundation as the GTO.R.
“The GXP.R begins the next chapter in a very successful racing campaign that has put Pontiac over Porsche and BMW in the highly competitive GT class,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “The GXP.R promises to pick up the GTO.R’s momentum and carry it into another winning season.”
Built to the specifications of the Grand American GT class, the GXP.R features a rear-drive layout and a racing version of the LS2 V-8 engine that produces approximately 450 horsepower (335 kW). It is based on the same Gen IV V-8 engine design as found in the production Grand Prix GXP. The production G6 GXP is powered by a sophisticated, DOHC 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that produces approximately 252 horsepower (188 kW).
The GXP.R’s bodywork retains the silhouette of a production G6 GXP, but lightweight, carbon-fiber replica panels are used throughout to reduce overall mass. The stock window glass also is replaced with lighter, shatter-resistant polycarbonate pieces. The body panels are attached to a custom tube-frame chassis, with the front and rear fenders flared to cover the wide, 18-inch wheels and class-spec Hoosier racing tires. Also, a huge rear wing that provides stabilizing downforce is tied into the chassis. It’s not a production-model wing, but the G6 GXP street car has its own distinctive rear spoiler.
Production-based racing
The Grand American GT class is comprised of production-based coupes and sedans that are modified for racing. Many of the engine components must be the same as those found on production models. The tube-frame chassis and ground-hugging bodywork are used to ensure high-speed traction and stability, while a purposeful interior deletes amenities such as air conditioning and an MP3-capable radio for a crisscross of safety roll cage tubing, a single racing seat, racing instruments and other race-only accoutrements.
Grand American Racing’s racing series, which also includes the Daytona Prototype class, was founded in 1999 with the goal of reinvigorating American road racing. Pontiac models were campaigned in the GT class from its inception, and the GTO.R program was launched in 2005. In their first full season of competition, two GTO.R teams dominated the 2006 season. With eight wins, including a podium sweep at Phoenix , Pontiac clinched its first GT Manufacturers championship, and the No. 65 TRG/F1 Air GTO.R of Andy Lally and Marc Bunting took the GT Drivers and Team championship. The No. 64 TRG GTO.R of Paul Edward and Kelly Collins finished third in points. The remainder of the class’s top 10 finishers included five Porsche GT3 Cups, a BMW M3 and a Chevy Corvette. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, the GTO.R amassed an impressive 19 consecutive podium finishes – a class record.
PONTIAC GXP.R SPECIFICATIONS
Body/chassis structure:
2008 Pontiac G6 GXP; tubular space-frame chassis
Body material:
carbon-fiber and steel
Chassis material:
steel
Suspension:
SLA , front and rear
Wheels:
18-inch forged aluminum
Tire size:
front: 295/660R18
rear: 295/675R18
Brakes:
four-wheel disc; slotted and drilled rotors; four-piston calipers
Engine:
6.0L LS2 V-8
Horsepower (hp / kW):
450 / 335 (approx.)
Transmission:
5-speed manual; sequential gearbox
Height (in / mm):
52.9 / 1343
Length (in / mm):
193.1 / 4904
Width (in / mm):
74 / 1879
Wheelbase (in / mm):
112.3 / 2852
Track (in / mm):
front: 61.5 / 1562
rear: 60.4 / 1534
Weight (lbs / kg):
2808 / 1273 (minimum, per rules)
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
Stupid torque curve regulations.
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Now if only the street version of the G6 came with a 450 hp LS2 and 2800 lbs pf curb weight....nothing would be safe.
"...nevermind maneuvers lieutenant, just go straight at them!"
-Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar
I love it when a racing model has absolutely nothing in common with the street car. Why even use it in advertising? It's like dating a fat girl named Jessica Biel. All they have in common is the name.
Knoxfire wrote:I love it when a racing model has absolutely nothing in common with the street car. Why even use it in advertising? It's like dating a fat girl named Jessica Biel. All they have in common is the name.
thank you. Hello? GM? are you listening?
2007 Corvette Z51 | Suzuki Swift GTi SCCA racer | 2008 Edge
i saw the Banner Pontiacs racing at the Rolex 24, one of them came in 2nd in the GT class, which I thought was pretty impressive for the first run ever for the car.
once i load up my pictures from my camera, i'll post one of the car
Knoxfire wrote:I love it when a racing model has absolutely nothing in common with the street car. Why even use it in advertising? It's like dating a fat girl named Jessica Biel. All they have in common is the name.
thats awesome.
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I agree it's a beautiufl car, and I hope they do well, but um... "Production based racing"? Makes me think of NASCAR and their RWD 400hp carbeurated small block V8 Lumina - or Taurus, Monte Carlo, Fusion, whatever for that matter. There's nothing production based fro what I can see. When I think of production-based racing, I think of the Speedworld Challenge. At least those cars retain the stock driveline and much of the stock body.
saw it at NAIAS....it was my fav of the show.
the grills needs to be shoved a a GM exc's ass sideways
way to ruin a good looking car
I got a picture of that in person when I was at Detroit Auto Show.
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It MIGHT be a production car, just look at the Porsche GT3. If it ever came out as a production car, I guarentee that I will spend everything I got to own this sexy bitch
dan
the one used during the race(24@daytona) that came in 2nd, had "factory" front and rear bumpers. the announcers said that was going to change tho.
i was pretty excited to see a similar car(appearance wise) to what i drive on the track.
the roush front bumper for that car is super nice!
ln2johnny wrote:I agree it's a beautiufl car, and I hope they do well, but um... "Production based racing"? Makes me think of NASCAR and their RWD 400hp carbeurated small block V8 Lumina - or Taurus, Monte Carlo, Fusion, whatever for that matter. There's nothing production based fro what I can see. When I think of production-based racing, I think of the Speedworld Challenge. At least those cars retain the stock driveline and much of the stock body.
Uhm the engine is production based with some minor modifications.
This car is pretty much the GTO.R with a different body so there really isn't a difference.
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i like the yellow one better
