1975 GR8
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The Mirage GR8 1975 is an iconic race car that was built by Mirage Racing in 1975 to compete in the FIA World Sportscar Championship series. The car was designed by the legendary racing car designer, John Horsman, who also designed the famous Gulf Mirage. One of the most distinctive features of the Mirage GR8 1975 was its unique body shape, which was designed to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and reduce drag at high speeds.
Under the hood, the Mirage GR8 1975 was powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 3.0-liter V8 engine, which was capable of producing up to 385 horsepower. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and could propel the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.3 seconds. The car had a top speed of around 220 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest race cars of its time.
The Mirage GR8 1975 featured a tubular spaceframe chassis, which was made of lightweight aluminum and designed to maximize rigidity while minimizing weight. The front suspension was a double wishbone design, while the rear suspension was a de Dion setup. The car featured adjustable dampers and springs, which allowed for precise tuning of the suspension for different track conditions.
The brakes on the Mirage GR8 1975 were equally impressive, with ventilated disc brakes all around and four-piston calipers for maximum stopping power. The car also featured a hydraulic brake bias adjustment system, which allowed the driver to adjust the balance between the front and rear brakes for optimal braking performance.
Inside the car, the driver was treated to a minimalist racing cockpit, with a single bucket seat, a racing steering wheel, and a comprehensive instrument cluster. The car also featured a fire suppression system and a roll cage for added safety.
In conclusion, the Mirage GR8 1975 was an outstanding example of a race car that combined exceptional performance with stunning design and superior engineering. With its powerful engine, advanced suspension, and cutting-edge aerodynamics, the car was a true masterpiece of automotive engineering that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the track. Even today, the Mirage GR8 1975 remains an enduring legacy of the golden age of motorsports and a true icon of automotive history.
Milestones
- Mirage GR8 was first unveiled in Geneva, Switzerland in March 1975. - The car was built by the French racing team, Matra Sports, and designed by the renowned engineer, Gerard Ducarouge. - The Mirage GR8 made its racing debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 1975, where it finished in 3rd place overall, behind two Porsche 917s. - The car was powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine, which produced around 450 horsepower. - In August 1975, the Mirage GR8 won its first race at the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen, with drivers Jacques Laffite and Gerard Larrousse at the wheel. - The following year, the Mirage GR8 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with drivers Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell taking the victory. - The Mirage GR8 went on to win several other races and championships around the world, including the 1000km Monza in 1976 and the World Championship for Makes in 1977. - The car was retired from competition in 1978 and is now considered a classic of endurance racing.Technical
The Mirage GR8 1975 is a high-performance sports car manufactured by Mirage Automotive Developments limited. Its technical details include:• Engine: 5.0-liter V8 engine • Maximum power output: 390 horsepower at 7,000 RPM • Maximum torque: 340 lb-ft at 5,500 RPM • Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission • Body style: Two-seater coupe • Chassis: Aluminum monocoque chassis with steel roll cage • Suspension system: Double wishbone suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bars • Steering system: Rack and pinion steering • Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes • Weight: 820 kg • Wheelbase: 2,550 mm • Length: 4,572 mm • Width: 1,878 mm • Height: 890 mm • Top speed: 190 mph (305 km/h) • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds.