Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

Epsilon Euskadi: in full swing

The video shows the car that the Epsilon-Euskadi team has designed to participate in the prestigious 24 hour test of Le Mans.

For the first time in history, the Epsilon Euskadi team will participate in the famous 24 hours of Le Mans. Not just that. Here in Peralta they will go with a car built in the center of high performance. This is the first time a car like this has been built in Spain.

FROM THE COURT: Joan Villadelprat; Epsilon Euskadi: Epsilon Euskadi wants to become a motorist. We have realized that right now, in the world of tournaments, we can only use our imagination and creativity during the 24 hours of Le Mans, which is the only real technological challenge for us. The car requires the same technology as a Formula 1 car, but it must last 24 hours.

24 hours in a row turning the Le Mans circuit. This is the main test, but before that, it is necessary to overcome a series of races called Le Mans World Series. It is necessary to travel a thousand kilometers in each race in the shortest possible time. The first will take place next Sunday, April 6, at the Circuit de Montmeló.

The race regulations themselves require the car to meet certain requirements, such as weight, body dimensions, cabin temperature or fuel tank volume. Such a container may, for example, not exceed 90 litres. The particular characteristics of the race have also determined the design of the car.

FROM THE COURT: By Sergio Rinland; Epsilon Euskadi: In a race like the 24 hours of Le Mans, durability is mandatory. That’s why, even if your car is designed as light as possible, with lightweight materials such as carbon, aluminum, and titanium, it must be extremely tough. The safety coefficient must be higher than that of a Formula 1 car.

Although the decision to join this project was made in May last year, the designers of Epsilon Euskadi have been working on the prototype since April 2005.

The design team is made up of 10 young engineers who have been selected among the students of the master’s degree taught by Epsilon in collaboration with Mondragon Unibertsitatea. The construction of a car from a blank sheet is a very difficult task, using various computer programs that perform simulations and fluidodynamic calculations.

IN THE STATEMAN: Alaitz Ochoa de Eribe; Elhuyar Foundation: This one we have here is a wooden replica of the monocasque. Before assembling them in the car, all the pieces have been tested here to make sure that they all fit perfectly. Not only real parts, but also these plastic prototypes.

There are no parts purchased here at the hardware store. Each component has been carefully designed and a large number of plastic prototypes have been created in a 3D printer.

The final pieces began to arrive in November from factories in the Basque Country, Italy and the United Kingdom; they have been ordered from specialized suppliers. In recent months, the pieces have been stored in this warehouse following a specific order and after having undergone rigorous quality controls.

The assembly, now known as "manufacturing", has been carried out in Peralta and has lasted two months. During this time, the car has been repeatedly assembled and disassembled. It has been designed to have as few parts as possible, with a focus on strength and durability. The body is made of carbon fiber and kevlar; the engine is from the Judd brand, with five liters and 650 horsepower. Due to the rotation of three pilots in Le Mans, the chassis adapts to different heights. But in plain sight, the most striking thing is to have a closed car.

FROM THE COURT: By Sergio Rinland; Epsilon Euskadi: Making a closed car is more difficult. It has different aerodynamic characteristics. It has less aerodynamic load, but also less air resistance. Theoretically, it is better for Le Mans because there are long straights and strong braking. Due to its lower resistance, it can reach the end of the straight faster, but it loses speed in the curves. A balance must be maintained.

The mechanic's team, to be honest, looks like a medical team undergoing an operation. Even the smallest parts need to be adjusted, and nothing can fail. the result is worth it.

Epsilon Euskadi is building a plant in the Technology Park of Miñao, whose first result is this prototype. Starting next year, they will have the most advanced technologies for the construction of racing cars: a wind tunnel and various simulators: highly sophisticated instruments that have more to do with aviation than with the automotive industry.