One of the main differences between the 24 Hours of Daytona race and other motorsport marathons is the variety of categories of cars that start here. Even 24 hours of Leman cannot be compared with Daytona: after all, in America, in addition to the GTE and GTD body categories and the European LMP2 prototypes familiar to our eyes, there are the so-called Daytona Prototype and Prototype Challenge. Their characteristics and appearance are not so easy to figure out, especially when watching the race. So let's try to do it in advance.
1. In the oldest class "Prototypes" - prototype (P) class, two categories of cars fall at once - Daytona Prototype (Daytona Prototype) and LMP2 (European prototype).
"Daytona Prototype"- This is a design built on the basis of a tubular frame with a multi-liter engine. Chassis for them are produced for teams by specialized companies such as Riley, Doran, Fabcar and Crawford. Engines are produced by well-known companies in the market - American ones like Ford, Chevrolet, as well as BMW, Mazda, etc. The names of these cars are a combination of chassis and engine names, for example, Riley-Ford.
The main advantage of the Daytona Prototype is its power. On average, it is 600-650 hp, which is about 100 hp. more than the LMP2 prototypes. But all the advantage that the Daytona prototype gets on straight lines or an oval is offset by the loss of time during cornering, for which these cars are completely unsuitable.
Participants (models):
- Corvette DP (Chevrolet)
- Riley DP (BMW)
- Mazda (Mazda)
- Riley DP (Ford)
LMP2 albeit less powerful, but thanks to the suspension settings and aerodynamics, they easily bypass chicanes and turns, and manage to win back other time losses on them. In fact, the LMP2 prepared for Daytona is different from the LMP2 performing in Lehman. They have a different aerodynamic body kit and a different restrictor that slightly increases the engine power to match their capabilities with the DP.
LMP2 have been participating in the 24 Hours of Daytona since 2012 but have yet to win. Last year's contender from this class was well classified and had every opportunity to win, but technical difficulties led to the fact that he was forced to retire before the finish line.
A very amazing car was also assigned to the same class. Delta Wing which is unlike anything else. It weighs about half as much, but its power is also reduced to equal with the previous two prototypes.
The maximum allowable power of such cars is 500-550 hp.
Participants (models):
- delta wing
- Ligier JSP1 (Honda)
- BR01 (Nissan engine)
Driving class cars "Prototypes" only professional pilots compete.
2. Class PrototypeChallenge -
Prototype Challenge (PC). Outwardly, they resemble LMP2, but with an open cockpit. In fact, these are exactly the same cars built on the Orek chassis with Chevrolet engines. They perform only in the USA and are called "Formula Le Mans". They were originally built in Europe for the championship planned to train pilots for the ELMC. But the championship failed, and the cars were sold to America, where they still perform. The maximum allowable power of such cars is 430 hp.
As part of the crews in the class Prototype Challenge gentleman drivers also perform, i.e. amateur pilots.
Participants (models): Oreca FLM 09 (Chevrolet)
3. TOnodal toclass GT Le Mans (GTLM). This class includes cars of the GTE category, for which there are clear regulations in absolutely everything: in engine size, in requirements for the location of aerodynamic elements, for the location of suspension attachment points, etc.
At the same time, CTUs may be less powerful than representatives of the next GTD class, but at the expense of aerodynamics, they seriously recoup.
The all-new Ford GT is in the same class and will make its debut at Daytona before heading to Europe to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Curiously, the engine and transmission are taken from the Daytona Prototype, the suspension is tuned almost as perfectly as the LMP2, and the monocoque is made of carbon fiber.
Only professional pilots drive cars of this class. The maximum allowable power of these cars is 490 hp.
Members (models):
- Corvette C7.R (Chevrolet)
- BMW E13 M6 GTLM (BMW)
- Ferrari 488 GTE (Ferrari) - 3
- Ford GT-2
- Porsche 911 RSR (Porsche) - 2
- Audi R8 LMS GT3-3
- Lamborghini Huracan GT3-5
- Dodge Viper GT3 R-2
- Aston Martin Vantage GT3
4. The fourth and final class of the 24 Hours of Daytona race is body class GTDaytona (GTD). In fact, these are production GT3 cars that are being prepared for races. Therefore, there are no special technical regulations for them.
Both professional pilots and amateurs participate in the crews of these cars. The maximum allowable power of these cars is 450 hp.
Participants (models):
- BMW M6 GT3
- Ferrari 458
- Ferrari 458 GT3
- Porsche 991 GT3R
- Porsche GT3 R-4
- Audi R8
54 vehicles in total
In class PROTOTYPE (P): 13
PROTOTYPE CHALLENGE (PC): 8
- Brochures
- About car
- 1969
- 2006-2009
- 2013-our time
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Dodge is the world's leading manufacturer of cars, vans and SUVs sold by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries. Dodge was founded in 1900 as a supplier of spare parts and aggregates for the automotive industry. In 1928, the brand was sold to Chrysler LLC. Chrysler LLC is currently part of the Fiat-Chrysler Group alliance.
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
Production: 1969 / 2006-09 / 2013
Class: specialist. muscle car
body type: 2-door coupe / 4-door sedan
Designers: —
Engines:
Carburetor, 4-stroke
426th Hemi (7.0 L) V8 317 kW; 425 HP 1969
426th Hemi + (7.0 L) V8 up to 450 kW; 620 HP 1969
440th Magnum (7.2 L) V8 280 kW; 375 HP 1969
372nd Hemi (6.1 L) V8 274 kW, 368 hp 2006-09
348th Hemi (5.7 L) V8 275 kW, 370 hp 2013-present
392nd Hemi (6.4 L) V8 342 kW, 465 hp 2017-present
Characteristics:
First generation:
Wheelbase: 2972 mm
Second generation:
Length: 5083 mm
Width: 1892 mm
Height: 1478 mm
Wheelbase: 3048 mm
Transmission:
4-speed manual
3-speed automatic transmission
5-speed automatic transmission
Drive unit:
Classic, rear
About car
Dodge produced three separate vehicles with the Dodge Daytona name, all of which were .
The name "Daytona" was adopted from Daytona Beach, Florida, which was one of the first auto racing centers and was one of the main events of NASCAR. The first car to bear the Daytona name was a sports version of the Studebaker Lark, which was produced from 1963-66 with stock bucket seats and was available with a 298 (4.7 L) 240 hp (179 kW) V8 engine.
1969
Buddy Baker's famous Dodge Daytona #88 (1970) After the crushing failure of the 1969 Dodge Charger 500, the high-performance Dodge Daytona was released as a limited version of the Dodge Charger with the sole purpose of winning the NASCAR race.
Buddy Baker's famous Dodge Daytona #88 (nowadays) #88 Buddy Baker on the Dodge Daytona was the first driver in NASCAR racing history to break the 200 mph (330 km/h) milestone on March 24, 1970 on the largest track in NASCAR - Talladega Superspeedway, Alabama, which is 2.66 miles (4.3 km) long. This track works to this day. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame Museum, an international museum of motorsports glory, has opened on its territory, where that “happy 88th” Dodge Daytona is located.
Dodge Daytona 1969 The Dodge Daytona is one of the most famous aero cars, with its special body modification including a 584mm high rear wing and a special sheet metal "nose" cone that completely replaced the traditional vertical grille and bumper.
The Daytona was built for the time with a heavy-duty suspension and used special installations in the body to cool the brakes. It was equipped as standard with a 440 Magnum 375 l/s (280 kW) block, and for an additional fee, a “simple” 425 l / s (317 kW) and a heavily modified 426 block from Hemi 620 l / s were available ( 460 kW). The latter is especially valuable in the circles of collectors, of course, because only 70 out of 503 cars were “charged” with Hemi.
2006-2009
Dodge Daytona 2006 The Dodge Daytona was restored in 2006 as a limited edition Dodge Charger Daytona, based on the SRT8. Sporty interior, body-coloured rear and front spoilers, black grille and "DAYTONA" decal on both rear body panels. And also, inherited from the R / T version of the darkened hood, with the inscription "Hemi" and two cutouts on the sides. 18-inch gray alloy wheels on low-profile wide tires were another highlight. Daytona, in comparison with the Charger R / T, has a more powerful Hemi engine at 368 l / s (274 kW), due to large air ducts.
Since 2007, cars have been equipped with 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.
For 2008, the black stripes from the rear panel are removed and the "DAYTONA" name is now placed on the bottom of the doors.
Dodge Daytona Mopar Concept 2009 2009 was the last year for the model, only 475 cars were assembled, 400 of which were sold in the USA. The future of the model is still vague, and who knows, maybe we will hear this name again!
2013-our time
Dodge Charger R/T Daytona 2013 As 2013 draws to a close, the Dodge Charger Daytona returns, and it's safe to say it's the continuation of the model many of you have been waiting for. In fairness, the third generation of Daytona is akin to the previous one, like two drops of water copying the original Charger, the differences are only in interior details and body coloring. Alas, the “sharp-nosed” 69th is a little short, but how good the car turned out is up to you to judge.
The body lines of the 2013 Dodge Daytona are unique: concept design and high technology are intertwined here. Satin black grille, black rear spoiler and black side graphics. Navigation system, separate climate control and automatic transmission as standard.
The model inherited the engine from the 2013 Charger R / T - the classic V8 HEMI® with a volume of 5.7 liters, 370 hp, by the way, this is the “maximum” unit that is put on the “muscular” cars of 2013, alas.
The salon also did not go unnoticed: heated ventilated leather seats, DAYTONA embroidery, an individual number on the dashboard - a sign of a limited edition. The interior color is not limited to discreet black, the choice is also offered in blue, bright white and silver.
Music lovers will appreciate the 552-watt acoustics from the world famous Beats Audio ™. Fans of tuning and exclusivity will certainly like the 20-inch unique alloy wheels with five spokes.
Dodge Charger Daytona 2017 In 2017, following the restyling of the Dodge Charger, a special version of it was released. On board the basic configuration is still a 5.7-liter V-shaped block with a capacity of 370 hp. (272 kW), but with improved engine scavenging thanks to the Mopar bucket intake and zero resistance conical air filter. The base gearbox is an eight-speed automatic. The Super Track Pak package is available as an option, with sport-tuned suspension, high-performance braking system, switchable stability control and Goodyear Eagle F1 low-profile all-season tires.
For lovers of "hot" there is a maximum modification of the Dodge Charger Daytona with the index "392". This is primarily an eight-cylinder 6.4-liter block from HEMI with a capacity of 485 hp. (357 kW) with a torque of 644 Nm, the brake system from Brembo and wider P275/40ZR20 tires from Pirelli.
History, overview and characteristics of the two variants of the model:
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 426 Hemi And 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona 440 Magnum.
Dodge has produced three separate vehicles with the Dodge Charger Daytona name, all modified by Dodge Chargers.
The name is taken from the city of Daytona Beach, Florida, which was an early center for auto racing and still hosts the Daytona 500, one of NASCAR's premier events. The first use of the Daytona name was on a Studebaker Lark Corporation vehicle. She was a model of the compact Lark and was produced in 1963-1966.
Dodge Charger Daytona was released in the summer of 1969 with the goal of winning high-profile NASCAR races. The car won its first race at the Talladega 500 in the fall, although it was a pretty silly win as all the top names left the track on Saturday via the 1969 Talladega race boycott.
Charger Daytona driver Buddy Baker became the first driver in NASCAR history to break the 322 km/h mark. It happened on March 24, 1970 in Talladega.
Dodge Daytona won two races in 1969 and four more in 1970.
Model characteristics:
- Maximum speed: 322 km/h;
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h: 5.7 seconds;
- Weight: 1668 kg. (3677 pounds);
- Torque: 665 Nm;
- Power: 420 HP
- Engine: 7 HP eight-cylinder V-shaped (426 Hemi) and 7.2 liters. eight-cylinder V-shaped (440 Magnum).
- Transmission: 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic Torqueflite 727;
- Wheelbase: 2,972 mm or 2,972 m (117 inches);
- Class: racing car.
- Body type: two-door coupe.
One of four famous Dodge Daytona aero cars featured special body modifications that included a 23-inch (584 mm) high stabilizer wing at the rear, a special sheet "nose cone" that replaced the traditional vertical front grille, rear window lighting, "window plug" for covering the rear window, special front fenders and hood, stainless steel covers, slots installed on the wings for clearances and brakes.
As Chrysler was losing more and more races, the company's engineers felt it was time to do something. The Challenger was a big, underpowered brick flying through the air on a race track, and the engineers knew the drag coefficient had to be increased. That is why the first solution to this problem was a 45.7 cm steel nose cone. The big nose looked ridiculous to many, but helped improve efficiency and provide downforce at high speeds to reduce the chance of lift. For racing, this was a good decision because the engine cooled more efficiently at high speeds, but bad for road models. The nose blocked the front grille keeping air out of the engine bay and also made parking a nightmare.
Another solution to improve the quality and speed of the race was the stabilization wing. It was so massive that it provided downforce as well as vertical section stabilization, much like the stabilizer at the rear of an airplane works. Its testing led to the fact that engineers found an increase in aerodynamic efficiency by 20%, which allowed it to accelerate to exorbitant speeds (more than 322 km / h).
The Daytona's tire clearance/brake discs were built to R/T trim 1969 Charger specifications, meaning it had a heavy-duty suspension and brake setup and was fitted as standard with a 440 CID Magnum engine.
Of particular value to collectors is the additional 426 CID Hemi V8 engine, which was equipped only 70 things Dodge Charger Daytona from 503 released.
The "Winged Warriors", as they were affectionately known, did not compete in the top NASCAR Cup series for a long time. Due to their exceptional speed and performance, NASCAR subsequently changed the rules, effectively banning all four Aero Cars from Dodge.
1969 Dodge Daytona is now a very rare and valuable collector's car, reaching prices in the six-figure mark. And the 426 Hemi variant could top the $300,000 mark.
But recently, at the beginning of 2015, they were sold for 900 thousand dollars. Trading video:
When you look at these Daytona models, it's hard to tell the real from the fake - one way is to look at the number VIN. Every Daytona was built at the Hamtrack plant in Michigan and has the letter "B" as the seventh digit in the vehicle's VIN number.
For many, these cars are some of the wildest creations ever made in Detroit during the muscle car era.
426 Hemi Dodge Charger Daytona engine
426 Hemi engine was so big and powerful that extra reinforcement had to be built into the chassis and engine mounts to keep it from coming loose and tearing the car apart.
The Dodge Daytona is a front-wheel drive, three-door hatchback that was first introduced by Dodge in 1984. The hatchback was built on the Chrysler G platform, which in turn was developed on the basis of the Chrysler K platform.
Initially, two engine options were presented in the list of power units for the Dodge Daytona car: a 4-cylinder Chrysler K engine with a volume of 2.2 liters and a power of 93 hp. and its turbocharged version with 142 hp. In 1986, the 2.5-liter Chrysler K engine with 96 hp was offered. three-speed and four-speed automatic transmissions. The braking system included front disc and rear drum brakes.
In 1984, the Dodge Daytona was offered in three trim levels: base, Turbo and Turbo Z. The Daytona Turbo version was distinguished mainly by a turbocharged engine, while the Turbo Z also had external distinguishing features: a spoiler, side skirts. But in 1985, a spoiler installed only on the Turbo Z version was offered for all trim levels, and already in 1986 there were only two trim levels left: basic and Turbo Z. Also this year, the manufacturer offered a T-roof as an option (there were sold 5,984 copies with such a roof).
In 1987, the Dodge Daytona underwent some external changes, the main of which was the renewal of the front of the car. The previously deep-set headlights were replaced by folding ones, and the grille disappeared altogether, which gave the car a more dynamic look. This year, a new modification called Shelby Z appeared, which included a new 2.2-liter Chrysler K Turbo II turbocharged engine, whose power was 175 hp, and the car was also equipped with rear disc brakes.
In 1990, the Daytona was offered a 3-liter 6G72 SOHC V6 power unit from Mitsubishi, whose power was 141 hp.
In 1992, the car was subjected to a rather serious restyling. The Dodge Daytona received an updated front and rear with new headlights and decorative elements, as well as the sides, which received new moldings. There was also a new turbocharged version of the Chrysler K engine with a volume of 2.2 liters called Turbo III, whose power was 224 hp.
It should be noted that between 1984 and 1986 Chrysler produced a “double” of the Dodge Daytona model, which also had its own configuration options. From 1986 to 1987 The Dodge Daytona was sold in Canada under the Chrysler brand.
On March 17, 1993, production of the Dodge Daytona hatchback was completed. For the entire period of production from 1984 to 1993. 49,347 copies of this car were produced. In 1995, the Daytona was replaced by a model called the Dodge Avenger.
For many viewers who watched the movie Fast and Furious 6, it was not clear what kind of car with a huge spoiler and a sharp "nose" that Vin Diesel drove around in London. It was a Dodge Charger stylized as a Dayton modification. Why were the organizers styling the 7 cars needed for filming in the red Daytona episodes instead of just buying the original ones Dodge Charger Daytona ? The fact is that this is a very rare car, and even in the United States, every respected car collector would take a worthy place in his collection for this American car. Daytona was created in order to end the hegemony of cars Ford in NASCAR racing and to qualify for these competitions, the factory must produce at least 500 road versions that can be sold for private use. Dodge produced 503 cars and the price of the Daytona started at $ 8,000, a very significant amount, twice the cost. HEMI engines endowed the usual Charger and Challenger 
excellent traction at any speed, but due to the high air resistance, the maximum speed was not a record. Aerodynamic shape of Daytona and powerful engine HEMI allowed in 1969, on the highway in Alabama, to develop 322 km per hour! This is 1969, the Italian supercars conquered such speeds much later. In 1969 Daytona and twin model - Plymouth Super Bird won 38 of 48 NASCAR races, Chrysler cars won 80 in 1970% of NASCAR series races. During a race on a salt lake, an American rider accelerated Daytona to a speed of 217 miles per hour, which is about 360 kilometers per hour. Row data will dedicate such a rare car as Dodge Charger Daytona.
Outwardly, Daytona differed from the usual Charger in the first place 
huge spoiler and aerodynamic nose. The spoiler was very high, above the trunk lid shelf wing towered 584mm and it was installed above the roof level. Due to this arrangement, the wing began to work only at high speeds, over 150 km. The fairing of the original Daytona was made of metal, not fiberglass, as it might seem at first. The aerodynamic nose added 460mm to the American car, the Daytona's body stretched 5.8m from edge to edge, and the curb weight was 1725kg. As for a sports car, the mass is not small, such a weight slows down the Daytona somewhat when accelerating from a standstill, but it had no equal on high-speed lines.
The Daytona speedometer is calibrated to 200 mph. 
As on a conventional Charger, two separate seats and a floor-mounted gearshift lever are installed in front. By European standards, it is very unusual that a sports three-spoke steering wheel is adjacent to a foot-operated parking brake, which in European cars is used on solid sedans, and not on racing cars.
Specifications Dodge Charger Daytona
The base engine for the Daytona was the 440th Magnum with a volume of 7.2 liters and a power of 375 hp. But 70 out of 500 cars were equipped with HEMI motors. In the usual version, with a cylinder diameter of 107.5mm and a piston stroke of 92.5mm, the engine has a volume of 6981 cubic centimeters and a power of 425hp. With such an engine, the Dodge Charger Daytona is gaining 100 km in 5.3 seconds. The quarter mile of Daytona takes 13.5s and the claimed top speed is 320km/h. Daytona is equipped with a mechanical, four-speed gearbox. There was a forced version of the HEMI engine, which, with a volume of 7.2 liters, produced 620 horsepower. The exact technical characteristics of such a machine are not known.
Price Dodge Charger Daytona
You can buy a Dodge Charger Daytona for $300,000. This is not a big price for such a rare car with a glorious sports history.
The Daytona may not have the polish of an Italian supercar like the Miura, but it's really powerful, very fast, and not technologically sophisticated at the same time. A torsion bar suspension is installed in the front of the Daytona, and springs in the rear are even surprising, if you remember what speed this American car is capable of developing.
