the r8 mark 3

[Dave Eaton <Dave.Eaton@clear.net.nz>]

i've been looking at a picture of the new r8 as taken during testing at 
paul ricard in france.

clearly similar yet markedly different is the initial impression.

added are a much more pronounced long tail, presumably for the aerodynamics 
required by the muslanne.

cooling has also been significantly revised with the large naca duct on the 
left side of the car now totally absent, replaced by a large scoop behind 
the front wheel.  presumably this is repeated on the rhs, although there is 
only one photo to study.

the front cooling treatment is totally different.  the nose is 
significantly extended with the obvious objective of aiding cooling of the 
(presumably now) front-mounted radiators. the pronounced front lip apparent 
in the "show" car has been replaced with a prominent "mouth" probably 10cm 
high. the previous radiator vents in-line with the front wheels have been 
replaced by a more forward vent with a much steeper rake to the bodywork 
in-front of the cockpit.

the roll-over bar looks similar, albeit with the addition of a re-fueling 
duct in the lhs.

the rear engine cover and bodywork treatment looks very similar, although 
the addition of the "long tail" seems to show a major downwards swoop at 
the rear, probably to aid air-flow over the rear wing which has also moved 
rearwards.

overall, obviously a major revision of the car, and an obvious attempt at 
optimisation prior to the big day.  i wouldn't mind betting that there will 
be other revisions to follow.  audi has a lot of ground to make up on the 
people who have been there and done that at le mans...

i think this will make the score tony southgate/joest 1, audisport 0...

dave
'95 rs2
'90 ur-q