The
Reiter Engineering-developed GT3 category Lamborghini
Gallardo, dubbed by the German firm as the LP600+, has
come off the back of a strong season in 2011 with four
runner up positions in the ADAC GT Masters, Brazil GT3,
ASIA GT3 and Spanish GT Championship.
“Our customers and
ourselves proved already, that the Gallardo is a safe
and fast car in sprint format races,” explains the
company's owner Hans Reiter about the reason for the
next development step. “Now we want to be successful at
long distance races too. Our aim is, to have a reliable
24-hour race car, which is able to win.”
Reiter Engineering has
already finished development for new gearbox and
aerodynamic parts. For the 2012 version of the LP600+
GT3 the Holinger gearbox is now lighter and comprises of
less parts than the outgoing version. A more direct and
precise shifting process is now possible
“At the front of the
car we now have a bigger splitter and double dive plates
for more downforce as it is used by the other contenders
in GT3," says Reiter.
Still in the
development and testing process are new suspension
brackets, spring pairings and a performance brake kit.
The idea behind the new kinematic is to offer more
mechanical grip due to a higher static roll stiffness,
which allows softer heave springs. “We also should
reduce the pitch moment under braking,” says Reiter.
“This would allow softer springs in the front, which
increases braking forces and response to the driver.”
Due to the softer
springs, the car's handling over the curbs can be
improved. Also a different camber variation should be
implemented. Less static camber can be driven more
easily, which offers a better use of the tyre during
acceleration and braking with no disadvantages in
corners. The tyre will be scrubbed less and lasts longer
during a race, which leads to a better balance and
improved track times at the end of a race.
An update is to be
tested for the current AP Racing sourced braking system.
New six-piston calipers and reworked brake cooling at
the front will aim to improve braking performance in
long distance races.
The development of the
list of new endurance parts for the Gallardo LP600+ GT3
will be carried out during the course of this month and
then carrying on into February at two important
season-opening endurance encounters, the 24 Hours of
Dubai and then the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi, with the
car under racing conditions.
