While worldwide one of the hot motoring topics are the hypercars that will race in the WEC starting in 2021, we must also remember that here in Brazil ther is also our own interpretation of Hypercar under development, expected to debut soon on the Endurance Brasil series.
The so called TMC M1, is a racing prototype being developed by former F1 and IndyCar driver Tarso Marques, that has stabilished a respected reputation as builder and tuner internationally. Some may even recognize one fo his creations, the wild looking TMC Dumont bike, as shown below.
Back to the prototype, according to Tarso himself this is the first step of a larger project, aiming to develop the first Braziliam hypercar, the race car being a testing mule for concepts to be implemented in the road car.
As for the race car, some 3D renderings had been released earlier this year through Tarso’s social media, and even with parcial views these renderings maje it clear that this is a unique and fairly advanced car.
However, differently from other Brazilian cars that barely leave paper, this car is in a far more advanced state, with two shakedowns realized so far, one in the first half of March, and second one a two day run realized last week.
From this test surfaced the first images that had run the internet a few months ago, as well as the nickname Batmobile, due to the sleek and menacing profile matched to the black body color.
What we already know
Chassis: it is a carbon monocoque, the first one to be manufactured in Brazil, while aerodynamics have been developed with extensive use of CFD. Besides, the car is said to weight 940 kg, and has run the March test with Pirelli tyres, but since then has changed for Yokohama’s Advan slicks.
Another interesting thing is the steering wheel, alos being developed in Brazil and that is really a step forward compared to local prototypes, being closer to a F1 or LMP car.
But, more than appreciate the design, this rendering give us a glimpse of what we can expect to be present on the race car:
- DRS: like F1 and current Brazilian spec P1 prototypes;
- ABS;
- TC;
- SW;
- MAP, probably to adjust engine mapping;
- Boost: waste gate opening control;
The most outstanding itens however, are the rotating knobs on both side labelled F. Flap and R. Flap, that may be an indication of some sort of on board aero adjustment.
Engine: The engine will be a twin-turbo V6 of undisclosed source. However, since Sprint Race (racing category managed by Tarso’s brother, Thiago) currently uses naturally aspirated Chevy V6 engines, wouldn’t be a surprise if this is a highly modified Chevy engine.
After the first shakedown, more details surfaced related to the powerplant, and is really inspiring to see that Tarso Marques is relying heavily on Brazilian suppliers for itens like: exhaust manifold and engine tunning from Illicit Customs, Master Power turbochargers, W45-I wastegates from Auto Boost Performance Parts, fuel pump from Infutech Billet Parts, everything managed by a S8000 Injepro ECU. Besides, like we said previously, the chassis is a carbon monocoque built by Rallc Usinagem&Composto.
Gearbox: Mid-mounted Hewland sequential 6-speed transaxle.
Aero analysis
With few images availabe from the March test, it wasn’t possible to make a deep aero analysis. Still, some characteristics can be perceived, starting with the fact that the prototype doesn’t have convetional doors, instead using a canopy (1), like a fighter jet. Still at the front, the nose is raised like most current formula and prototype cars (2) and the canards seen in the renderings have yet to make an appearence (3). Also, we can see a very unique front fender venting solution (4).
Moving from the front, there is the omnipresent dorsal fin (5) e a pack of louvers to vent hot air from the radiator and engine compartments (6). Rear brake air cooling is provided by inakes on the rear fenders (7), a solution fairly common on current LMPs. The rear wing (8) does not seem to have a central support, being kept in place by the endplates, however the dorsal fin may be doubling as a support here.
On this side view, other interesting detail can be noticed, as there are no rear view mirrors. This could be only that these parts are yet to be manufactured, however as they are also absent from the renderings this is a strong suggestion that the M1 will be equipped with rearview cameras instead of conventional mirrors.
However, the last week tests provided a better view of a many details and updates, specially due to the car being now painted in white instead of black.
The new images allowed to better see the second element from the front wing (1), that allows a wide range of adjustments (detail).
Also, the front bodywork seems to have been largely redesign, dropping the “cut” (2) previously present on the fenders, and the lack of the element that connected the wheelpods to the nose (3).
The videos allowed also a better view for the front fender venting solution, with many louvers (4) placed on the trailing edge of the fender, something I don’t recall seing in any other car.
Also, we could get a hint on the canopy mechanism, that vas able to assume a 90° position in the pits, opening forwards like a F35 fighter.
The steering wheel is close to the renderings, however it is still missing the knobs identified as F. Flap e R. Flap.
As for the rear wing, one newer rendering clearly shows a two element wing, however in both tests (March and November) the prototype has used only one element.
In one of the videos released, it’s clear that the absence of the second element is temporary, as it is possible to see that, like other Endurance Brasil P1 cars the DRS will be present. Below, we can see what looks like the actuator rod for the DRS (5).
Also, the rear diffuser could be visualized for the first time. Even without a clear reference it’s possible to say that it is the larger volume diffuser among all Endurance Brasil P1 cars.
Sources and References:
[1]. Tarso Marques Concept: https://www.instagram.com/tarsomarquesoficial/
Rallc Usinagem&Compostos: http://www.rallc.com.br/
Indutech Billet Parts: https://www.facebook.com/IndutechBilletParts/
Auto Boost Performance Parts: https://www.facebook.com/autoboostperformanceparts
Injepro: https://www.injepro.com/
Master Power Turbochargers: https://masterpower.com.br/
Illicit Customs: https://www.facebook.com/illicit.customs.1
Olá, bom trabalho, vou sugerir seu blog para meus amigos.
Are you still developing this car? Or has it run out of development money?
Let me know, thank you
What type of engine will the car use in the Sprint Race category managed by Tarso’s brother, Thiago?