A man named Mark Sparrow, hailing from the United Kingdom, is currently in the process of developing his own endurance race car, and he has provided some initial details about the project. Named the Tertre Rouge, after a corner of the famous Circuit de la Sarthe where the 24 Hours of Le Mans is held, this car is inspired by the iconic Group C race cars that dominated the motorsport scene in the 1980s.
Sparrow, a mechanical engineer by profession, was captivated by the Group C race cars when he witnessed them in action at Le Mans as a child back in 1989. Although he initially worked on the BepiColombo space probe last decade, which is currently en route to Mercury, he now runs his own business and has been dedicating his spare time to working on the Tertre Rouge. His ultimate goal with this project is to create a car that can match or even surpass the performance of the legendary Mazda 787B and Porsche 956, two dominant Group C race cars from the past.
One of the standout features of the Tertre Rouge is its commitment to simplicity and the absence of driver aids like electronic stability and traction control, just like the cars that inspired it. Sparrow aims to make the car street-legal, at least in Europe where low-volume builds do not require expensive crash testing, unlike in the United States.
The Tertre Rouge is envisioned to have a steel tube-frame chassis, complete with an integrated roll cage for added safety. The body of the car will be crafted using a combination of composite materials, contributing to a targeted weight of around 2,100 pounds. In terms of power, the car is expected to generate a peak output of approximately 750 horsepower, courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine. This engine is based on a Mercedes design from the 1990s, namely the M119. A 6-speed sequential transmission, supplied by Elite Transmissions, a prominent racing transmissions specialist from the U.K., will transfer power to the rear wheels.
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The development process of the Tertre Rouge will involve extensive testing both in the wind tunnel and on racetracks. Sparrow plans to conduct tests at renowned circuits, such as the Donington Park Circuit in the United Kingdom. The car’s aerodynamics have been meticulously optimized to enable it to attain speeds approaching 250 mph. Through rigorous testing and fine-tuning, Sparrow aims to ensure that the Tertre Rouge performs at its absolute best.
Production of the Tertre Rouge is anticipated to start around 2025. However, Sparrow plans to limit the number of units produced to a maximum of 20. Each car will have a price tag of approximately 750,000 British pounds, equivalent to roughly $911,000. With the funds generated from the sale of these limited-run cars, Sparrow intends to take the Tertre Rouge racing. Potential racing series for the car include endurance races at the Nürburgring, as well as historic racing events specifically tailored for Group C cars. Sparrow’s ultimate dream is to see the Tertre Rouge compete at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In conclusion, Mark Sparrow’s Tertre Rouge project represents his passion for Group C race cars and his desire to create a car that can rival the performance of these legendary vehicles. With meticulous design, optimization of aerodynamics, and a powerful engine, Sparrow aims to make the Tertre Rouge a force to be reckoned with on both the street and the racetrack. The limited production and high price tag add exclusivity to the car, making it an object of desire for motorsport enthusiasts. Should Sparrow achieve his goal of racing the Tertre Rouge at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it would be a remarkable testament to his dedication and love for this iconic motorsport event.
