![]() Images courtesy Cadillac North America Technical
Description
Introduction The Cadillac Northstar
LMP is an all-new car taking advantages of the latest technology available.
Using the Riley & Scott MkIII as a baseline, many improvements have
been incorporated on this car. The MkIII has a strong history of
winning. Taking the checkered flag at three out of the last four
24 hours of Daytona including 1999 is no small accomplishment. The
MkIII has also won WSC/CAN AM driver championships for the last 3 years
in a row. GM Motorsports group is developing the engine.
This group has deep history in 4 cam V-8 engines with numerous wins in
road racing. In 1995 and 1996 GM Motorsports 4 cam V-8’s achieved
overall wins at the 1996 Daytona 24 hour and 12 hours of Sebring.
In 1997 to the present, a GM 4 cam V-8 has won every IRL event including
two Indianapolis 500.
Aerodynamics/Body Extensive work was
done using C.F.D. to establish the shape. Extensive model testing
was carried out using a 40% rolling road model. Models were rated
for not only downforce and drag, but also how the car reacts to a change
between high downforce settings and low drag settings. Full size car wind
tunnel testing will also be performed. The car will be available
with a high downforce wing and a low drag wing. Splitter length and
front wheel louvers will also be used for tuning. Side radiators
were selected for plumbing length and protection. Intercooler ducts
will take air from top of body and use this air to cool the engine compartment.
Diffusers are being finalized using the 40% wind tunnel model. The
body and wing are carbon fiber with some Kevlar. Nomex honeycomb
is used as a core. Splitlines are worked for ease maintenance and
fast access to major components.
Chassis A carbon monocoque
with aluminum honeycomb core is on this car for obvious benefits.
All suspension is mounted to the outside of the tub for safety and reparability
with suspension loads fed through carbon fiber and aluminum bulkheads.
An autoclave is used for all tub construction. The driver position and
strength of the cockpit were major criteria used in the design. The
electronics are packaged next to the driver. The fuel cell is directly
behind the driver and holds 90 liters. An aluminum bulkhead is used
between the engine and tub. This bulkhead is removable for fuel cell
inspection. The engine is stressed and is coupled to an aluminum
bellhousing that holds a separate oil tank for the engine.
Engine The engine is a 4.0
liter twin-turbocharged aluminum 32-valve V8. GM Motorsports has
taken the experience from successful IMSA and IRL efforts and created the
new Northstar. Key partnerships with McLaren racing engines and IHI
turbos will advance the expertise in turbo package development. Boosted
to 1500 mbar (44.3 in. Hg), testing has resulted in very high torque, and
a wide flat maximum power range.
Suspension The suspension utilizes
unequal length wishbones with pushrod-activated shock and spring.
The geometry is derived from the MkIII, but improvements have been made
for turn-in and power applications. The separated shock and spring
has been retained and refined. Front uprights are flow through.
The suspension is designed for strength but also a lot of detail has been
incorporated for ease of maintenance and quick repair/replacements.
The wheel hubs utilize automatic locking pins.
Steering Power assisted rack
and pinion steering is being used. A Saginaw unit has been selected
with an electrical over hydraulic pump. The power steering is necessary
with the large caster angles and ultra high downforce. Attention
to a strong “on center” feel is also being incorporated.
Brakes The brake system
will accept carbon or iron materials. Alcon 6 piston monoblock calipers
have been selected. The package can accept 380mm x 40mm rotors and
30mm pads both front and rear. AP Master cylinders will also be used
with driver adjustable brake bias.
Gearbox The gearbox is a
six speed, longitudinal, gears forward, sequential unit. Built by
Emco, a gear-change can be performed through the top of the box with no
suspension removal necessary. An 11-34 ring pinion is used with drop
gears. No lift-shift is intended.
Electrical The Cadillac Northstar
LMP will come with a Pi dashboard. Engine functions will be delivered
to the dash by a data link. The Pi system used can be completely
upgraded through Riley & Scott. The car will come with endurance
headlights and electric fuel pumps are used. Two submersed transfer
pumps feed fuel along with F.I. Return to the two-gallon reserve
tank. Overflow from that tank feed the main pickup. Both main
and reserve pumps are submerged Bosch units.
Wheels One piece forged
Cadillac Northstar LMP wheels made by BBS are the only wheels available.
Wheels will be exclusively available through Riley & Scott. Front
wheels measure 13.0” x 18” rear 14.5” x 18.0”. The wheels will also
utilize pin drive.
Rules The Cadillac Northstar
LMP is designed to comply with all sanctioning bodies’ regulations with
minor revisions (brakes, diffuser, etc.)
Development Team/Customer Support A development team
will start testing the first two cars mid summer 1999. All data from
testing (set-ups, gearing, etc.) will be passed directly to the customers.
Engine support and parts support will be at all major races and tests.
A supply of parts will also be available in Europe.
The Finished Product The Cadillac Northstar
LMP is only available as a complete car. The car will be painted,
leak checked, and aligned. The car will be ready to leave the factory
and go to its shakedown test.
Cost The car is available in two trim levels. Upgrading Pi system is optional. Pricing is as follows: ALMS/ACO
TRIM $650,000.00 (carbon brakes and diffuser)
All prices F.O.B.
Indianapolis, IN USA. Engine price to meet ISRS price lap.
Payment The car payments are done in three equal payments. One third to secure order. Another third halfway through build. Balance two weeks before delivery. A 10% discount is available on spares ordered and paid for before pick-up (excluding gearbox parts and wheels). |