The newest version of the DeltaWing underwent testing yesterday in preparation of its debut ahead of the American Le Mans Series and World Endurance Championship sports car super weekend at Circuit of the Americas September 19-22.

After debuting last year at Le Mans, Elan Motorsports developed the closed-top prototype in preparation for the new 2014 ACO regulations as part of the newly formed United SportsCar Racing Series.

The revisions for the coupe version also require a new engine layout, which helps reduce heat build up inside the cockpit, which the team says they are very happy with.

“The new engine installation is all about better cooling, while giving us easier access to the exhaust and turbo systems,” said Designer Simon Marshall. “We added an air intake on the roof which increased the cooling air by 50 percent, repackaged where the turbo and intercooler sit and installed a bigger oil cooler, which is all definitely working. The windscreen, the doors, all the new parts all did what they are supposed to do. It was a successful day.”

Driver Katherine Legge was encouraged by the initial test, although it initially took some getting used to.

“Everything went really well,” said Legge. “The boys have worked extremely hard to get everything together and they’ve done a tremendous job. There are some little nuances and characteristics that are different with this car compared to the spyder version, but it looks super cool. It’s slightly different visually with the closed cockpit, the pillars and the curved windscreen, but you get used to it pretty quickly. Andy and I will have to figure out the quickest way to do driver changes!
“We’re really positive and psyched for the race at Circuit of the Americas in two weeks. I’ll be excited to see everyone’s reaction – it’s going to be attention grabbing!”