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LE MANS: Dome S102 Earns SPEEDtv.com/Racecar Engineering Technical Advancement Award
Written by: Marshall Pruett   
06/14/2008
Le Mans, France
 
The Dome S102 LMP1 machine has earned the first ever SPEEDtv.com/Racecar Engineering Magazine New Technical Advancement Award for its stunning new Le Mans challenger. » More Photos


It looks as if it was dropped from outer space to bring a world of new shapes and technology to the world of sportscar racing. Japanese formula and sportscar manufacturer Dome spend considerable time crafting their new closed-top LMP1 prototype after years of strong results with the open S101 chassis.

Built to work in the same direction Peugeot has chosen with the coupe format, the S102 represents a fiercely proud and all in-house designed car. Unlike many of its rival customer car manufacturers, Dome has taken a much harder path in choosing to design and develop nearly every aspect of the car internally.

While it would be infinitely easier for them to buy parts from outside vendors, the challenge of creating, optimizing, and learning from these efforts are as important to the Maibara-based constructor as earning positive race results.
The Dome has moved the bar significantly higher on aerodynamics for LMP1 coupes. (Photo: Marshall Pruett) » More Photos

Looking at the S102’s on track data, the car has been mightily impressive in its debut performance – choosing Le Mans as the first circuit to race the car was a brave but wise decision. On SPEEDtv.com’s radar gun, the Dome ranks third in top speed, behind only the mega-budget Peugeot and Audi factory entries. According to the ACO’s trap speeds, the S102 was equal on top speed with the 908’s
after the 1st and 2nd qualifying sessions.

Adding to their obviously impressive aerodynamic developments that have helped the S102 on the straights, logging the 8th fastest LMP1 qualifying time of the 22 entered P1 vehicles was a testament to the sound design and expertise infused into the car from the outset.

Racecar Engineering Magazine’s Sam Collins has been a fan of the car from the moment it broke cover. “The Dome S102 is probably the most advanced car at Le Mans in terms of aerodynamics, and is incredibly clever in other areas, the dampers are Dome's own design and in its early development it even had a bespoke data system. The hard work has paid off with Audi-esque pace.”

With the Le Mans race just underway, the Dome S102’s results have yet to be determined, but based upon the car’s stunning visual impression, its staggering top speeds, and the high degree of innovation and original solutions, Dome is clearly on the path to challenging major factory programs with an incredibly impressive customer car.

View the Dome Wallpaper Gallery Here.
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