Panoz Esperante GTLM GT2

update 30.02.2018

 

  After building sports prototypes for years, Panoz starting developing race versions of their Esperante, a two seat roadster built on an aluminum chassis and powered by Ford's SVT V8. With help from Elan Motorsports, Panoz raced the Esperante with success in the Trans-Am championship and it only made sense to contest it in Don Panoz's own ALMS series.

Panoz partnered with Multimatic from Ontario Canada, to release GTLM road-going supercar which provided a basis for the 2004 contender. To cope with the air intake restrictions imposed by the governing bodies, Panoz had Elan Racing bore out the 4.6 liter MOD V8 to 5.0 liters and remove the supercharger.

  In 2004, the GTLM was tested out on a number of tracks, and the Panoz gave the green light to contest the entire ALMS 2005 season. A highlight victory was achieved at the Road Atlanta where the GTLM of Bill Auberlen and Robin Liddell achieved a first in class over the factory-backed Porsche teams. Due to reliability, the GTLM factory racing team couldn't keep up their Atlanta pace, and fell wayside to Porsche for the rest of the season including their first visit to Lemans.

 

Engine: Elan Power-Modified, Ford MOD V8

Power Output: 470.0 bhp 

Torque Output: 650 Nm

Body Panels: Aluminum Frame w/Front & Rear Steel Subframes

Weight: 1200 kg

Top speed: --- km/h)

Transmission: Hewland 6-Speed Sequential

Redline: 8200 
Drive wheels: RWD 

Front suspension Wishbones w/Coils over DSSV Dampers, Adj Anti-Roll
Rear suspension Wishbones w/Coils over DSSV Dampers, Adj Anti-Roll