In the year it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the traditional MC Tubarão team is working on a new prototype for the Campeonato Gaúcho de Endurance. (Note: this publication has been updated in Dec 5th with new pictures and information shared by MC Tubarão’s social media).
As a starting point for the new project, the team acquired MR18 chassis number 1, which belonged to the Roso family, onto which a front similar to that of the Tubarão MC40 was adapted (a silhouette developed by the team based on an MR18 chassis with bodywork inspired by the Ford GT40).
To achieve this, the chassis and mechanics were completely revised and refurbished, and the MR18’s bodywork was widened in about 20 cm and the windscreen lowered, giving the prototype a Hypercar-style look. In addition, the floor will be replaced with a new one, featuring a reworked ground effect.
Few images have been revealed, but we can see the rear wing with double element (1) and the generous rear diffuser (2) while the side remains practically unchanged in relation to the MR18 design, with the biggest differences being the absence of the air intake on the roof of the car and the dorsal fin. At the rear it is also possible to see a very recessed air intake, probably for some oil radiator located in that region.
It’s also interesting to note the design of the junction between the front of the MC40 and the cockpit of the MR18:
Under the bodywork the car remain similar to those originally used in the MR18, with an Audi Turbo engine and Hewland TMT transaxle, and the suspension should follow a similar layout to the MR18, with push rods at the front and rear.
According to a video released by MC Tubarão, the new project was commissioned by a client aiming for the P2 class of the Rio Grande do Sul endurance championship. However, considering the technical advancements, it wouldn’t be surprising if the prototype emerged to compete against Sigma, AJR and DTR in the P1 class of the same competition. On December 3rd, MC Tubarão completed the shakedown of the prototype at the Velopark track in Rio Grande do Sul:
You might also be interested in:
MC Tubarão X (2014 – 2017)
The Tubarão X is the tenth generation of prototypes developed by the MC Tubarão team in Cachoeirinha, Rio Grande do Sul.
MC Tubarão XI / Sigma P1 (2022)
The Tubarão XI was developed in partnership with Sigma P1, and its highlight was the victory in the 500 km of São Paulo.
