Onroak Automotive is carrying out a series of preliminary wind tunnel tests on its 2017-spec LMP2 car.
The new model has been named the Ligier JS P217, which continues the legacy of the late influential car builder Guy Ligier and his former racing team-mate Jo Schlesser.
The first stages of development focusing on CFD computer design have been completed, creating the first visual representation of the new coupe.
Engineers and technicians from Onroak are currently at the RUAG wind tunnel in Switzerland to examine the initial aerodynamic responses of the JS P217, using a 40 percent scale model.
Onroak has confirmed that it will run the tests at 50m/sec, using smoke to visually study the airflow around 80 points on the developmental carbon base.
“The validation phase of the aerodynamics is always crucial in the design of a new sports prototype,” said chief designer Nicolas Clemençon. “The CFD studies and the work in the wind tunnel complement each other very well and enable us to analyse the maximum amount of data thanks to which we can validate optimal solutions.”
“We’re lucky to be working with EXA for the CFD phase and with the RUAG wind tunnel: their professionalism and the quality of their services are a guarantee of the efficiency and safety of our cars.”
Onroak Automotive will join Oreca, Dallara and Riley-Multimatic next year as an internationally-approved LMP2 chassis manufacturer.
