| The racing car is based on the original 550 Maranello road car's monocoque chassis, but with almost every component modified. Despite this, Prodrive designer, Peter Stevens, has kept the styling of the racing car faithful to the original Pininfarina design, while ensuring that it will still perform on the track. The road car's original 1690kg has been trimmed down to 1100kg thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre bodywork and lightweight components, while Prodrive has redesigned the V12 engine to increase power output from 485 bhp to more than 600 bhp. This gives the racing car double the power to weight ratio of the road car, at around 550bhp/tonne. With the necessary gearing, the Ferrari 550 GTO could easily exceed 200 mph (320kph), instead, this power ensures the car's aerodynamics, including a substantial rear wing, front splitter and rear diffuser, dramatically increase the downforce and improve grip. The standard six speed H-gate gearbox is replaced by a six-speed sequential box from Xtrac, while extra wide, 18 inch Prodrive P-WRC wheels and AP racing brakes are housed within the increased front and rear track. |
| Braselton, October 5, 2001 Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta 550 Maranello #88 12:51 - Rickard Rydell into the pits, tires and fuel 12:54 - Rickard Rydellinto the pits to check on a vibration 12:57 - Rickard Rydell into the pits 1:07 - Rickard Rydell into the pits 1:23 - Rickard Rydell into the pits. Fuel only 2:26 - Rickard Rydell into the pits. Fuel only 2:53 - Rickard Rydell into the pits. Tires and fuel 2:57 - Rickard Rydell going behind the wall 4:39 - car #88 officially retired 360 Modena #33 12:50 - Marino Franchitti stopped just off course at turn 6 1:05 - has been excluded by officials for receiving assistance while stopped on course The race was won by #2 Audi R8 driven by Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro [more >>>] |
