A UK-based individual, Mark Sparrow, has revealed preliminary information about his project to construct a road-legal endurance racing vehicle that takes inspiration from the legendary Group C race cars of the 1980s. Named Tertre Rouge, after a turn on the Circuit de la Sarthe used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the project is a lifelong dream for Sparrow, who first witnessed Group C race cars in action at Le Mans in 1989.
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Mark Sparrow’s background is in mechanical engineering. Previously, he was part of the team behind the BepiColombo space probe that is en route to Mercury. Currently, he manages his own contracting business in the aerospace sector. When not engaged in aerospace endeavors, Sparrow concentrates on the Tertre Rouge project, which he aims to make road-legal in Europe, circumventing stringent crash testing regulations typically imposed in the United States.
Performance Objectives
Sparrow’s ambition for the Tertre Rouge is to equal or surpass the performance benchmarks set by Group C legends like the Mazda 787B and the Porsche 956. Unlike most modern cars, the vehicle will feature minimal electronic driver aids, including the absence of electronic stability and traction control systems.
Technical Specifications
The Tertre Rouge is to be built on a steel tube-frame chassis that incorporates an integrated roll cage. Its body will be crafted from an assortment of composite materials, targeting a total weight of approximately 2,100 pounds. The engine will be a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8, derived from a 1990s Mercedes M119 design, with an estimated peak power output of around 750 horsepower. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox sourced from Elite Transmissions, a UK firm specializing in racing transmissions.
Aerodynamic and Testing Plans
Aerodynamic testing will be conducted in wind tunnels and on racing circuits, such as Donington Park Circuit in the United Kingdom. According to Sparrow, the aerodynamic design of the car’s body will be fine-tuned to handle speeds nearing 250 miles per hour.
Production and Future Plans
Sparrow anticipates commencing production of the Tertre Rouge around the year 2025. A limited run of no more than 20 units is planned, each with a price tag of approximately 750,000 British pounds (or roughly $911,000). Revenue generated from these sales will be allocated toward entering the vehicle in racing competitions. Potential events include endurance races at the Nürburgring and possibly even historic racing events specifically designed for Group C cars. Ultimately, Sparrow’s aspirational goal is for the Tertre Rouge to participate in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tertre Rouge Group C-inspired Race Car
What is the Tertre Rouge project?
The Tertre Rouge project is an initiative by UK-based mechanical engineer Mark Sparrow to develop a road-legal endurance racing car inspired by the legendary Group C race cars of the 1980s.
Who is behind the Tertre Rouge project?
Mark Sparrow, a mechanical engineer with a background in aerospace, is the individual spearheading the Tertre Rouge project. He runs his own contracting business in the aerospace industry.
What is the significance of the name Tertre Rouge?
The name Tertre Rouge is borrowed from a specific corner of the Circuit de la Sarthe, which is part of the track used for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
What are the performance objectives for the Tertre Rouge?
The performance objectives for the Tertre Rouge include matching or exceeding the capabilities of iconic Group C race cars like the Mazda 787B and the Porsche 956. The car will largely lack electronic driver aids such as electronic stability and traction control.
What are the technical specifications of the Tertre Rouge?
The vehicle will be built on a steel tube-frame chassis and will feature an integrated roll cage. The body will be made of various composite materials, aiming for a total weight of around 2,100 pounds. The engine will be a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8 based on a Mercedes M119 design from the 1990s, with an estimated peak power of around 750 horsepower.
Where will the Tertre Rouge be tested?
Aerodynamic and performance testing will occur in wind tunnels and on racing tracks, including the UK’s Donington Park Circuit.
When is the Tertre Rouge expected to go into production?
Mark Sparrow anticipates starting production around the year 2025.
How many units of the Tertre Rouge will be produced?
A limited run of no more than 20 units is planned.
What is the estimated price for each unit of the Tertre Rouge?
Each unit is expected to be priced at approximately 750,000 British pounds, which is roughly equivalent to $911,000.
What are the future racing plans for the Tertre Rouge?
The revenue generated from the sales of the Tertre Rouge will be used to fund its entry into racing competitions. Potential events include endurance races at the Nürburgring and possibly even historic races designed for Group C cars. Mark Sparrow’s ultimate goal is for the Tertre Rouge to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
More about Tertre Rouge Group C-inspired Race Car
- Group C Racing History
- 24 Hours of Le Mans Official Site
- BepiColombo Space Probe
- Donington Park Circuit
- Elite Transmissions
- Mercedes M119 Engine
- UK Crash Testing Regulations
- Nürburgring Endurance Series
- Circuit de la Sarthe
- Mazda 787B
- Porsche 956
8 comments
Love how this is a nod to Group C cars like the Mazda 787B and Porsche 956. Keeping the spirit alive while making it road-legal is a cool concept.
So testing at Donington Park, huh? Can’t wait to see this beast in action. Seriously, it could be a game changer in the endurance series.
20 units at about £750k each, that’s quite an investment. Curious to see if it will pay off when he takes it racing.
I gotta say, Sparrow’s ambition is thru the roof. Going from aerospace to building a racecar? The man’s got skills.
Wow, this Tertre Rouge project sounds amazing. a road legal Group C inspired car? Count me in!
750 horsepower from a V8, really? its 2023 and we’re still going with gas guzzlers. but i guess for a limited run, who cares.
£750k for one of these? steep price but if it delivers, I can see collectors lining up for it.
A corner from Circuit de la Sarthe as the name, thats a nice touch. It would be awesome if this car actually races at Le Mans one day.