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Top Five Racing Cars of All Time
Racing cars have always been designed with the best of design cues and advanced engineering to meet the requirements of high speed, acceleration, and performance. Designers put in the best of aerodynamic designs and the engineers use the strongest of components to make the engine, chassis, and other car components.
The first racing cars were designed with the simplest of technologies but over the years many new technologies were tested on such cars to ensure supreme performance and efficiency. With the passage of time though many new flying machines have been introduced to win various racing championships, a retrospective on some of the gone but never forgotten racing cars still set spirits flying on the tracks.
The first racing cars were designed with the simplest of technologies but over the years many new technologies were tested on such cars to ensure supreme performance and efficiency. With the passage of time though many new flying machines have been introduced to win various racing championships, a retrospective on some of the gone but never forgotten racing cars still set spirits flying on the tracks.
Here are some of the flying machines that once ruled the racing tracks:
Porsche 917
Porsche 917 is a legendary racing car that made its first debut 40 years ago at the 1969 Geneva International Motor Show. Since then this iconic car has retained its position of being the fastest and the most victorious racing car of all time.
Porsche 917 made a perfect entry as it was the time when sports car racing was at the crest of the popularity. In the year 1970 at the 24Hours Le Mans, the 917 won the championship trophy. In the same year the car confirmed its excellence and superiority by winning the Racing Series World Championship in nine out of ten races.
Porsche 917 was offered with a 4.5 litre 12-cylinder air cooled engine that produced 520 bhp. Later on, the car was modified and revamped to meet the growing needs of different racing tracks. It was structured using a tubular frame composed of aluminium and car body made of glass fibre.
Porsche 917 dominated its rivals Ferrari and Alfa Romeo and finally came to rest in 1971.
Porsche 917 made a perfect entry as it was the time when sports car racing was at the crest of the popularity. In the year 1970 at the 24Hours Le Mans, the 917 won the championship trophy. In the same year the car confirmed its excellence and superiority by winning the Racing Series World Championship in nine out of ten races.
Porsche 917 was offered with a 4.5 litre 12-cylinder air cooled engine that produced 520 bhp. Later on, the car was modified and revamped to meet the growing needs of different racing tracks. It was structured using a tubular frame composed of aluminium and car body made of glass fibre.
Porsche 917 dominated its rivals Ferrari and Alfa Romeo and finally came to rest in 1971.
Jaguar D-Type
The Jaguar D-Type was the most passionate racing car that caught the imaginations of millions of car enthusiasts. The D-Type was artistically crafted and held the power to stir every soul when on the car racing track. Despite of the poor aerodynamics the car witnessed victory for three consecutive years in 1955, 1956, and 1957 at the Le Mans. At this point the Jaguar D-Type showcased its mastery as a beautiful and powerful racing car. The D-Type was introduced to take over the successful C-Type and to continue competing with the Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Mazda 787B
Mazda 787B is till now the only racing car powered by a rotary engine to win the Le Mans. The car is no more in production but has left strong imprints on the racing car industry leaving behind trails of its victorious records.
The car was powered by a 4-rotor engine that generated an awesome power of 700 bhp. In its racing history, the car took over its competitors like Porsche, Peugeot and jaguar. By winning the race at Le Mans after 18 years of its effort, the 787B marked a significant milestone in the Japanese automotive history. Even though the car was underpowered compared to Jaguar XJR-9 and the Sauber Mercedes C-12, it won the race because of its supreme acceleration and perfect endurance.
In the 1991 Le Man race the Mazda model experienced a significant modification in the intake system for the rotaries. The new 787B had two periscope intakes positioned inside the rear wheel fenders that could be raised or lowered using the engine control unit depending on the overall speed of the car. This in turn helped to increase or decrease drag as and when required.
The car was powered by a 4-rotor engine that generated an awesome power of 700 bhp. In its racing history, the car took over its competitors like Porsche, Peugeot and jaguar. By winning the race at Le Mans after 18 years of its effort, the 787B marked a significant milestone in the Japanese automotive history. Even though the car was underpowered compared to Jaguar XJR-9 and the Sauber Mercedes C-12, it won the race because of its supreme acceleration and perfect endurance.
In the 1991 Le Man race the Mazda model experienced a significant modification in the intake system for the rotaries. The new 787B had two periscope intakes positioned inside the rear wheel fenders that could be raised or lowered using the engine control unit depending on the overall speed of the car. This in turn helped to increase or decrease drag as and when required.
Audi R10
Audi R10 forms the first diesel racing car to win the Le Mans. The introduction of R10 was aimed at replacing the R8 that won for three consecutive years in 2000, 2001, and 2002. The R8 had even won five winning titles in six years. One of the most prominent differences between the original R8 and the R10 was the integrated monocoque and bodywork.
With the introduction of Audi R10, the car manufacturer made a daring move to promote diesel technology. It was powered by a twin turbo engine that generated 650 bhp that equipped special 2-piece pistons divided to offer a channel for cooling.
With the introduction of Audi R10, the car manufacturer made a daring move to promote diesel technology. It was powered by a twin turbo engine that generated 650 bhp that equipped special 2-piece pistons divided to offer a channel for cooling.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2300
This model of Alfa Romeo was very popular Le Mans car in the bygone era. Between 1931 and 1935, the 8C 2300 won the championship for four consecutive years. The car was powered by a 2.3-litre eight cylinder engine that was light and efficient, making it ideal for grand prix and endurance racing.
8C was seen in various styles and designs which included both short and long wheelbase. Every style had a name. The short wheelbase model called the ‘Lungo’ was a perfect car for cruising at high speeds on open roads whereas the long wheelbase model known as the ‘Corto’ was a smaller and lighter car ideal for racing.
8C was seen in various styles and designs which included both short and long wheelbase. Every style had a name. The short wheelbase model called the ‘Lungo’ was a perfect car for cruising at high speeds on open roads whereas the long wheelbase model known as the ‘Corto’ was a smaller and lighter car ideal for racing.
