The 2023 American motorsports season kicks off this weekend with the 24 Hours of Daytona, the opening spherical of the IMSA SportsCar Championship schedule and the premier endurance racing occasion this facet of the Atlantic. The grueling race will see Acura, Cadillac, Porsche, and BMW battling in the high class for total victory, with round 50 different vehicles competing amongst 4 decrease lessons for their very own shot at a trophy. Along with the motion on observe, a number of automakers are right here in Daytona Beach, Florida, displaying off their newest sports activities vehicles. We’ve rounded up all of the must-see automobiles at this yr’s 24 Hours of Daytona beneath.
A New Corvette Race Car
The Chevrolet Corvette is already competing on this yr’s 24 Hours of Daytona in the type of the Corvette C8.R GTD, however the bow-tie model can be utilizing the occasion to showcase an up to date model of the race automotive. Called the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and first revealed in 2021, the new observe missile conforms to the FIA’s GT3 technical rules and can make its debut at subsequent yr’s 24 Hours of Daytona.
Power comes from a flat-plane-crank DOHC 5.5-liter V-8 that shares over 70 % of its elements with the engine in the road-legal Z06, originating on the identical manufacturing line in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Z06 GT3.R additionally beneficial properties a stronger crash construction and revised cooling, aerodynamics, and suspension. The race automotive’s bodywork additionally mimics that of the normal Z06.
Acura Integra Type S
We already drove a prototype version of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S final yr in Japan, however the high-performance Acura will make its North American debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona. While it would nonetheless be carrying a stunning camouflage wrap, the Type S will function the lead car at the begin of the race, together with behind displayed in the paddock at Daytona International Speedway.
The Integra Type S shall be formally unveiled this summer season, however we already know that it’ll use a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with over 300 horsepower, mated to a six-speed guide transmission and routing the energy by way of a limited-slip differential.
BMW M3 CS
BMW just revealed the M3 CS, a extra hardcore model of the venerable sports activities sedan, earlier this week. Now the M3 CS is making its first public look at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the place BMW is competing in the high GTP class with the M Hybrid V8 and in the decrease GTD with the M4 GT3. The M3 CS brings an additional 40 horsepower over the 503 ponies in the M3 Competition whereas additionally shedding about 75 kilos. Other highlights of the limited-production M3 embody Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tires, a no-cost possibility, and the lurid Signal Green paint.
The Race, of Course!
The largest attraction of all is the race itself. The 2023 season sees new rules for the high class of race vehicles, which is renamed GTP. Acura and Cadillac return, whereas BMW and Porsche have now developed their very own entries, and 9 GTP vehicles will problem for high honors. Behind them are 4 extra lessons: LMP2 and LMP3 use prototype race vehicles whereas GTD Pro and GTD use touring vehicles. The race subject additionally options a number of massive names in the world of motorsports, from six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon and two-time champ Josef Newgarden to former F1 driver Romain Grosjean and reigning Daytona 500 winner Austin Cindric. The race kicks off at 1:40 p.m. ET tomorrow and ends at the identical time on Sunday, with protection on NBC and USA Network and streaming on Peacock.
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