Panoz GT car gets debut test
The new Panoz Esperante GT-LM ran its maiden laps at Road Atlanta this week. Veteran Canadian Scott Maxwell gave the machine its shakedown.The car has been built by Elan Motorsports Technologies (EMT) to race later this year in the GT class of the American Le Mans Series.
"I was very impressed with the way the car performed," said Maxwell. "The car did everything a competitive GT sports car is supposed to, and with no problems whatsoever. For a brand new race car that has never turned a wheel before today, that is an excellent start."
"This evolution of the Esperante design has come a long way from the first generation that raced last year," said Maxwell. "I think this car has outstanding competitive potential."
Though no official lap times were released from the private test session, EMT CEO David Bowes was happy with the results.
"From the designers, engineers, crew and driver, everyone was smiling today," said Bowes.
Based on the Panoz Esperante road car built by Panoz Auto Development, the GT-LM is powered by a 4.6 litre modular V-8 Elan engine.
The Esperante won't be entering the Le Mans 24 Hours this year, but French team Larbre will enter the ex-works Panoz GTP prototype car for the race. The car will also be run by the Panoz factory at Sebring next month.
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