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Generation: C6 Year: 2005 VIN: C6R-004 Race Numbers: 4, 64 Ownership: GM Racing / Pratt & Miller (2005 to 2007); Luc Alphand Aventures (2008 to 2009); Baron Rothschild (2009 to present). Sponsors: Compuware Klein Tools AER XM-Radio Mobil-1 GM Goodwrench GM-UAW Drivers: Oliver Gavin; Olivier Beretta; Max Papis Status: Original Color: yellow Tires/Wheels: OZ wheels were used in 2004-05 but were changed to BBS for 2006. Front wheels are 18 x 12.5 Rear wheels are 18 x 13 Tires are Michelin racing tires. Front tires are 290/33-18. Rear tires are 310/41-18 Brakes are 4 wheel disc with monoblock calipers, carbon rotors and pads. CHASSIS/DRIVELINE/TRANSMISSION Most of the suspension and driveline components were continuations of the C5R package. But the new C6 and C6R also included specific changes in the chassis. Although the chassis remained as the hydroformed steel unit, there were changes in the overall chassis layout. The new wheelbase is 105.7 (1 shorter) and the overall length of 177.6 was also 5 shorter. The cars width is 78.7 and height is 45.8. The front track is 62.2 and the rear track is 63.1. Vehicle weight is 2425 lb. The suspension design remains as independent front and rear, featuring short/long double wishbones, steel fabricated upper and lower A-arms, machined aluminum knuckle, coil-over multi-adjustable shock absorbers and a mix of anit-roll bars. Engine: The 2005 season saw the introduction of a new LS7.R racing engine, a further refinement of the GM small-block V-8. Lighter and more powerful than previous Corvette powerplants, the LS7.R shares technology with the production 505 hp LS7 that powers the 2006 Corvette Z06 supercar. The 7.0 litre 427 aluminum engine used for the C5R car continued as the powerplant. Its core characteristics included 4.180 diameter cylinder bores and a 3.875 crankshaft stroke. The engine uses a dry sump oiling system with electronically managed sequential fuel injection system. Individual runners (versus stock throttle body) and CNC-ported cylinder heads are used to tune the flow of air to the engine. Horsepower and torque were estimated at 590 HP and 640 lb/ft. The electronics package continues to use two Delphi Electronics engine computer-and-ignition systems and a complete Pi Research Systems 6 dashboard display, data acquisition and telemetry system that includes motion sensors on the front and rear suspensions. A Kinsler racing fuel-injection system, with elaborate cross-ram air horns and a composite airbox between the engine and the hood, breathing through an air intake behind the headlamps, is retained. An aluminum motor plate mounts to the front of the block, with a structural aluminum oil pan and a modified stock aluminum front subframe. The engine uses an external mechanical three-stage oil pump and dry-sump lubrication with the oil tank under the fuel tank. While the small-block V-8's fundamentals and configuration remained unchanged, the LS7.R's internal components were designed to reduce horsepower losses due to internal friction and to reduce rotating mass. In addition, the team took a considerable amount of weight out of the engine, helping the balance of the car while also improving performance. For the 2004-07 seasons, the car ran on 100 octane unleaded racing fuel. Commencing in 2008, the ALMS moved to E-85 ethanol fuel. Only minor adjustments were required to respond to the new fuels more corrosive characteristics. Driveline: The question of further transmission changes is being researched. The balance of the drivetrain probably retained the 5.5-in. triple-disc Tilton carbon clutch, and a Pratt & Miller 3.11:1 rear end with Metalore axles and CV joints. More research required. Top: Interior: Condition: URL: REFERENCES: David Palmeter web site at: http://palmeter.com Corvette Racing (US) at: http://corvetteracing.com Corvette Motorsport (Europe) at: http://corvettemotorsport.com Unique Characteristics: BUILD DATES and BODY /AERO It is thought that the #003, #004 cars may have been built late in 2005. But build dates were not commonly included on the early serial number plates. Commencing with C6R-005 and C6R-006 were built on September 28, and October 04, 2006 (respectively) with a view to being used in the 2007 season. Chassis # 003 and # 004 were specifically planned to be run for 2006 and possibly into 2007 Chassis # 005 was run in the white Ron Fellows Commemorative paint scheme at Sebring in 2007 Chassis # 003 was the second car to be run as car # 33 (White Ron Fellows Commemorative Edition) at Mosport, 2007; Chassis # 005 ran as # 3 in 2007 but was replaced by chassis # 003 at the Laguna Seca race (Jake paint scheme) when # 005 crashed at the prior race, Petit Le Mans. BODY/AERO: As a result of rules changes in 2005, both the chassis and the aerodynamic package changed considerably. The new regulations required more extensive use of the production car's chassis structure, retaining items such as the central drivetrain tunnel, the windshield frame and the rear bumper. Exterior changes in the sixth-generation Corvette include a single, large grille opening for the engine air intake, radiator, and brake cooling; flush headlights for better aerodynamics; and a smaller, sleeker shape that reduced drag. Pratt & Miller introduced new low-friction suspension attachments that made the car quicker to react. Improvements are ongoing. GM Racing assisted with CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis before the start of the season, to determine the effects of changes in ride height on the aero balance of the car. Modifications: Notes/Race History: SUMMARY C6R-004 RACE HISTORY: 2006-07 Racing Seasons: Team Corvette lost the overall class win to Aston Martin at the LeMans 24 Hour race. Car # 63 (chassis C6R-003) placed seventh. See http://corvetteracing.com web site hosted by NCM for event results and for a narrative description of the season highlights. 2008 - EUROPEAN RACING: Car sold to Luc Alphand Aventures at the beginning of 2008. The car runs the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and FIA GT under various numbers. Luc Alphand entered two cars at Le Mans for both 2008 and 2009, For 2008, chassis #003 ran as car # 73 while chasssi #004 ran as # 72. For the 2009 Le Mans event, car # 72 (chassis #004) crashed and was sent back to Pratt & Miller for repair. It rejoined the ELMS series toward the end of the year. Mid-year 2009, GM announced its plans to shift to GT2. As a result, LAA began negotiating the sale of both chassis # 003 and #004 to Baron Rothschild, for his private collection. When chassis # 003 was burned in a transporter fire on the way to Albi, it was also sent back to P&M for repair, prior to Baron Rothschild taking possesion. For the 2010 LeMans 24 Hours race, LAA had two slots. They "borrowed" chassis # 002 and 006 from Mad Croc Racing (DKR/SRT)and placed well. Registry ID Number: 507 View Original Size  Car # 4 at 2006 Sebring - courtesy of General Motors Corp |