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| Category | LMP3 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Duqueine Engineering | ||||||
| Designer | Olivier Miriel | ||||||
| Predecessor | Norma M30 | ||||||
| Successor | Duqueine D09 | ||||||
| Technical specifications[1] | |||||||
| Chassis | Carbon Monocoque | ||||||
| Suspension (front) | Double triangle, pushers - rockers, with 3-way shock absorbers, Adjustable anti-roll bars & 3rd adjustable element front and rear | ||||||
| Suspension (rear) | As Front | ||||||
| Length | 4600mm | ||||||
| Width | 1900mm | ||||||
| Wheelbase | 2940mm | ||||||
| Engine | NissanVK56DEV8 5.6L | ||||||
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential gearbox XTrac 1152 | ||||||
| Power | 455hp | ||||||
| Weight | 960kg | ||||||
| Fuel | Various | ||||||
| Lubricants | Various | ||||||
| Brakes | AP Racing ventilated discs, 6-pot caliper | ||||||
| Tyres | Michelin | ||||||
| Competition history | |||||||
| Debut | 2020 Le Mans Cup | ||||||
| |||||||
| Teams' Championships | 3 (2021 European Le Mans Series), (2020 Le Mans Cup), (2023 Prototype Cup Germany) | ||||||
| Drivers' Championships | 4 (2021 European Le Mans Series), (2020 Le Mans Cup), (2022 Prototype Challenge), (2023 Prototype Cup Germany) | ||||||
TheDuqueine D08 is aLe Mans Prototype LMP3 built toACO 2020 2nd Generation Le Mans Prototype LMP3 regulations. It was designed, and built byDuqueine Engineering, which bought outNorma Auto Concept.[2] The car is the successor to theNorma M30. The car can be built from its predecessor, and is set to be eligible in a series of Championships worldwide, such as theEuropean Le Mans Series, and theIMSA Prototype Challenge.[3] While the car was launched on the weekend of the2019 24 Hours of Le Mans, it was not physically seen until September 2019, with the car at Le Mans being a repainted M30.[4][5][6]
On 23 May 2018, theAutomobile Club de I'Ouest announced a brief outline for the 2020 Generation 2 Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) regulations, alongside new chassis models from four approved manufacturers –Onroak Automotive (Ligier), Duqueine Automotive (Norma),ADESS AG andGinetta being announced as granted homologation for the new ruleset.[7] On 7 February 2019, the ACO announced the new 2nd Generation Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) regulations, with full implementation due by 2021, and with the cars being expected to be raced from 2020 to 2024.[8]
Following the unveiling of the car in June 2019, the car underwent its shakedown at Le Pôle Mécanique Alès-Cévennes, withRomain Dumas, at the wheel, before testing moved to theCircuit Paul Ricard, withNico Jamin at the wheel. David Droux was also involved in the tests. The tests were delayed, due to Duqueine being the last constructor to receive the new, upsized Nissan V8.[9][10] The car had its public track debut during the post-season testing for the2019 European Le Mans Series, at theAlgarve International Circuit, inPortimão, alongside theLigier JS P320.[11]
Key differences between the Norma M30 and the Duqueine D08 include a re-designed front-splitter, modified side pods, a new engine cover and rear wing.[6] Compared to the other 2020 LMP3 cars, the D08 was 10 kg heavier for the 2020 season, due to a weight penalty being imposed on the car as a result of a late submission of homologation paperwork.[12]