Photo : Pierre BARRAU - ACO/Nikon
The Panoz Abruzzi was unveiled at the Le Mans 24 Hours, and is expected to compete in the 13th running of the Petit Le Mans next October.
The Abruzzi is designed by Ken Merritt, and inspired by a 1935 Delahaye. The car body uses a new composite and recyclable technology developed by Panoz. The road version is fitted with a 6.2-litre Corvette V8 (620hp @ 6,400rpm). It is a front-mounted engine, the Panoz traditional design. The car uses a 6-speed gearbox, carbon ceramic brakes, Ohlins shock absorbers and Michelin tyres. The Abruzzi is homologated for Europe and 81 examples will be produced (corresponding to 81 running of the Le Mans 24 Hours from 1923 to 2013).
Tom Milner’s PTG team is in charge of the development of the GT2 version expected at the Petit Le Mans. “We entered Panoz Esperantes over the past three years after a long collaboration with BMW,” he recalled. “We are responsible for every aspect of the engine and chassis for the racing version. We hope the car will make its race debut at the Petit Le Mans, and also to enter two examples at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2011. We also intend to manufacture a client racing version.” Some of the interested spectators at the unveiling were Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, the Audi Sport boss, and Jack Leconte, the owner of the Larbre Compétition team.
François Hurel