The 2023 American motorsports season kicks off this weekend with the 24 Hours of Daytona, the opening spherical of the IMSA SportsCar Championship schedule and the premier endurance racing occasion this facet of the Atlantic. The grueling race will see Acura, Cadillac, Porsche, and BMW battling within the prime class for general victory, with round 50 different vehicles competing amongst 4 decrease courses for their very own shot at a trophy. Together with the motion on observe, a number of automakers are right here in Daytona Seashore, Florida, displaying off their newest sports activities vehicles. We have rounded up all the must-see automobiles at this yr’s 24 Hours of Daytona beneath.
A New Corvette Race Automobile
The Chevrolet Corvette is already competing on this yr’s 24 Hours of Daytona within the type of the Corvette C8.R GTD, however the bow-tie model can be utilizing the occasion to indicate off an up to date model of the race automotive. Known as the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and first revealed in 2021, the brand new observe missile conforms to the FIA’s GT3 technical rules and can make its debut at subsequent yr’s 24 Hours of Daytona.
Energy comes from a flat-plane-crank DOHC 5.5-liter V-8 that shares over 70 p.c of its elements with the engine in the road-legal Z06, originating on the identical manufacturing line in Bowling Inexperienced, Kentucky. The Z06 GT3.R additionally features a stronger crash construction and revised cooling, aerodynamics, and suspension. The race automotive’s bodywork additionally mimics that of the usual Z06.
Acura Integra Kind S
We already drove a prototype model of the 2024 Acura Integra Kind S final yr in Japan, however the high-performance Acura will make its North American debut on the 24 Hours of Daytona. Whereas it would nonetheless be carrying a blinding camouflage wrap, the Kind S will function the lead car at the beginning of the race, together with behind displayed within the paddock at Daytona Worldwide Speedway.
The Integra Kind S might be formally unveiled this summer season, however we already know that it’ll use a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with over 300 horsepower, mated to a six-speed guide transmission and routing the facility by means of a limited-slip differential.
BMW M3 CS
BMW simply revealed the M3 CS, a extra hardcore model of the venerable sports activities sedan, earlier this week. Now the M3 CS is making its first public look on the 24 Hours of Daytona, the place BMW is competing within the prime GTP class with the M Hybrid V8 and within the decrease GTD with the M4 GT3. The M3 CS brings an additional 40 horsepower over the 503 ponies within the M3 Competitors whereas additionally shedding about 75 kilos. Different highlights of the limited-production M3 embrace Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tires, a no-cost choice, and the lurid Sign Inexperienced paint.
The Race, of Course!
The largest attraction of all is the race itself. The 2023 season sees new rules for the highest class of race vehicles, which is renamed GTP. Acura and Cadillac return, whereas BMW and Porsche have now developed their very own entries, and 9 GTP vehicles will problem for prime honors. Behind them are 4 extra courses: LMP2 and LMP3 use prototype race vehicles whereas GTD Professional and GTD use touring vehicles. The race subject additionally options a number of huge names on the earth of motorsports, from six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon and two-time champ Josef Newgarden to former F1 driver Romain Grosjean and reigning Daytona 500 winner Austin Cindric. The race kicks off at 1:40 p.m. ET tomorrow and ends on the similar time on Sunday, with protection on NBC and USA Community and streaming on Peacock.