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Zytek Z11SN

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Zytek Z11SN
Gibson 015S
The No. 1 Z11SN at the 2012 Petit Le Mans
CategoryLMP2
ConstructorZytek Engineering
Designer(s)Tim Holloway
PredecessorZytek 09SC
Technical specifications[1]
ChassisCarbon-fibre composite monocoque
Suspension (front)Independent double wishbone pushrod system with horizontal spring/damper unit
Suspension (rear)Independent double wishbone pushrod system with horizontal spring/damper unit
Length4,482 mm (176.5 in)[2]
EngineNISMO VK45DE 4,494 cc (274.2 cu in) V8 NA mid-engine, longitudinally mounted
TransmissionRicardo 6-speed semi-automatic
Power343 kW (460 hp)
Weight900 kg (1,984.2 lb)
FuelTotal Excellium
Shell V-Power
BHP Infiniti
TyresDunlop[3]
Competition history
Notable entrantsUnited Kingdom Greaves Motorsport
United Kingdom Jota Sport
United Kingdom Caterham Motorsport
Notable driversUnited Kingdom Martin Brundle
United Kingdom Alex Brundle
Spain Lucas Ordóñez
United Kingdom Simon Dolan
United Kingdom Oliver Turvey
Germany Lucas Luhr
United States Alexander Rossi
United Kingdom Tom Kimber-Smith
Spain Marc Gene
United Kingdom Harry Tincknell
Debut2011 6 Hours of Castellet
Last event2016 4 Hours of Estoril
Teams' Championships3 (2011 LMS (LMP2), 2015 ELMS, 2016 ELMS)
Drivers' Championships3 (2011 LMS (LMP2), 2015 ELMS, 2016 ELMS)

The Zytek Z11SN is an LMP2-class racing car built by Zytek Engineering since 2011. Powered by a 4.5-litre Nissan V8 engine, it is an evolution of the Zytek 07S and the Zytek 09SC, updated for the new Le Mans Prototype regulations that were introduced in 2011. It was predominantly used in the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a Greaves Motorsport-entered Z11SN won the LMP2 categories of both contests in 2011.[4] In 2014, Jota Sport won the LMP2 category of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a Z11SN.

In 2015, following Zytek's rebranding to Gibson Technology, the Z11SN was updated to the Gibson 015S.

History

[edit]

For 2011, the Le Mans Prototype rules were changed to reduce costs.[5] As a result, the Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S became obsolete, and the Zytek 09SC, previously an LMP2-class car, became an LMP1-class car. In response to this, Zytek developed the car into the new Z11SN, and signed a deal with NISMO to use the Nissan GT-R Super GT's Nissan VK45DE engine.[6] This was a 4.5 litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, producing approximately 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS) in LMP2 specification.[6] Greaves Motorsport were the only team to enter a Z11SN in its first season,[7] with their chassis having originally been a Zytek 07S.[8] The car was immediately successful, with a debut class victory (and third overall) at the 6 Hours of Castellet, driven by Karim Ojjeh, Gary Chalandon and Tom Kimber-Smith.[9] The season would prove to be a successful one; Greaves Motorsport took the class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the LMP2 Team's Championship title in the Le Mans Series.[4] At the end of the season, this chassis was retired, and three new ones were built.[8]

For 2012, Jota Sport entered a Z11SN in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), finishing eighth in class in the first round of the season, the 6 Hours of Castellet.[10] Greaves Motorsport bought two chassis, and also entered them in the ELMS.[8] Both teams also entered that year's 24 Hours of Le Mans,[11] with Greaves' No. 42 car being the most notable entry – it was driven by former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle, his son Alex, and Lucas Ordóñez.[12] The No. 42 car finished eighth in class,[13] whilst the other Greaves car finished fifth,[14] and the Jota Sport entry failed to finish.[15] Greaves Motorsport finished third in class the European Le Mans Series that year, whilst Jota Sport finished tenth.[16]

In 2013, Greaves Motorsport and Jota Sport both remained in the European Le Mans Series with their Z11SN chassis.[17] The season started successfully, with Jota Sport taking a victory at the 2013 6 Hours of Silverstone.[18] Caterham Motorsport announced that they would be entering the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time, using a Z11SN, with Alexander Rossi, Tom Kimber-Smith and Eric Lux as their drivers.[19] The entry was a joint venture between Caterham and Greaves Motorsport,[20] with Greaves also entering a Z11SN under their own banner, driven by Jann Mardenborough, Lucas Ordóñez and Michael Krumm.[21] Jota Sport also entered the event with a Z11SN, with their drivers Simon Dolan, Oliver Turvey and Lucas Luhr.[21] The Greaves Motorsport entry was the most successful of the three, as Mardenborough, Ordonez and Krumm finished fourth in the LMP2 category.[22]

The No. 38 Jota car took the LMP2 class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 2014, Jota Sport won the LMP2 class at the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans with their Z11SN chassis.[23]

For 2015, the car was substantially developed as the Gibson 015S, following the purchase of Zytek by Continental AG that established Gibson Technology.[24] Jota Sport used it to finish second in the LMP2 class and 10th overall in the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, 48 seconds behind the KCMG's Oreca.

In 2016, Strakka Racing finished 4th[25] in the LMP2 class and 8th overall in the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans using the Gibson 015S, the highest result for the prototype in the race.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2011 Zytek Z11SN Nissan Specifications". Ultimatecarpage.com. 14 June 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  2. ^ "Zytek Z11SN – Nissan". European Le Mans Series. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  3. ^ "Dunlop 1–2 at Imola". Dunlop Motorsport. 3 July 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Greaves Motorsport – 2011 News". The Grid. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  5. ^ Ten Caat, Marcel (22 December 2010). "A look at the 2011 LMP1 and LMP2 regulations". Planetlemans.com. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  6. ^ a b "Zytek Motorsport Announces Nismo Partnership". Zytek Motorsport. 20 September 2010. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  7. ^ Melissen, Wouter (14 June 2013). "2011 Zytek Z11SN Nissan – Article". Ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  8. ^ a b c Melissen, Wouter (14 June 2013). "2011 Zytek Z11SN Nissan – Chassis". Ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  9. ^ "Zytek Nissan Alliance Wins on European Debut". Zytek Motorsport. 3 April 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  10. ^ "The Jota Sport Zytek Nissan Makes Its Debut in Le Castellet". Endurance-info.com. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  11. ^ Klipp Schilke, Nancy (2 February 2012). "24 Hours of Le Mans entries ready for 2012 contest". Motorsport.com. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  12. ^ "Greaves Motorsport prepares for the Le Mans 24 Hours". Motorsport.com. 16 June 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  13. ^ "Nissan power took nine of the top 10 positions at the Le Mans 24 Hours". Motorsport.com. 18 June 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  14. ^ "Twin Top Ten finishes for Greaves Motorsport at Le Mans 24 Hours". Motorsport.com. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  15. ^ "Class results – Le Mans 24 Hours – Full class results from the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours". Crash.Net. 17 June 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  16. ^ "Point standings: European LeMans Series – Season 2012". Speedsport Magazine. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  17. ^ "The 2013 ELMS grid set with 29 entries – updated". Motorsport.com. 9 February 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  18. ^ "Zytek Wins First Race of the European Season". Zytek Motorsport. 15 April 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  19. ^ Florea, Ciprian (3 June 2013). "Caterham Preparing for 24 Hours of Le Mans Debut". Auto Evolution. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  20. ^ "Greaves Motorsport and Caterham Motorsport unveil Le Mans livery". Greaves Motorsport. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  21. ^ a b "Le Mans 24 Hours: Race Preview, Part Two, LMP2". dailysportcar.com. 14 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  22. ^ "Le Mans 24 Hours – Class results – Jun 2013". Crash.Net. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
  23. ^ "Le Mans 24 Hours: Audi claims one-two after dramatic race". Autosport.com. 15 June 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  24. ^ Watkins, Gary (15 December 2014). "Renamed Gibson Technology plans major upgrade to Zytek LMP2 car". Autosport.com. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  25. ^ "Strakka's Fine Fourth at le Mans 24 Hours".
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