The Stohr DSR will have very low frontal area
following the Audi concept of low bodywork between fenders and cockpit. It is
carried even further using the Stohr FF style low rear upper a-arm. The car will
have an under nose venturi, dumping over a floor splitter, requiring a raised
frame in the foot area, as on the Stohr FF. It will evacuate air from the front
wheel wells as is done by the Audi. No rear diffuser is initially planned due to
weight, cost and practicality (special jacking points, vulnerability to
off-course damage, access, etc.)
The Stohr DSR will come equipped with state of the
art Formula Ford suspension technology. The Stohr FF1600 uses a modern front
steering geometry that reduces slow corner understeer. The uprights have a high
caster, low kingpin angle, forward offset axle design which provides greatly
increased camber in the outside front tire at higher steering wheel angles,
without any chassis weight jacking. The DSR will employ the very advanced
Formula car shock absorber technology. "Triple compression stage, velocity
dependent pistons are used in our Penske shocks with great success," said
Stohr.
On 1/28/01, Lee Stohr commented, "It is
surprising how much room is needed to swing an 8" front tire lock-to-lock.
Especially if the body is low between the fenders. Don't be surprised if my
final body shape is a little different than the initial CAD renderings."
Long-time FF and FC racer, Sean Maisey, has
purchased the first car, and two more have been sold. Only 3 production slots
are left for 2001 deliveries.
On 2/22/01, Lee Stohr
stated, "The design for the new Stohr
DSR is now frozen. Final dimensions are being put on parts drawings. Parts are
being built and ordered every day. Some small changes have been made since
submitting info to Sports Car magazine.
The frame should be considered a steel
tube frame, with pre-preg S-glass/honeycomb stiffening panels in the cockpit
area. Aluminum panels elsewhere.
A rear diffuser is now part of the first cars, rather than an add-on later.
Outboard rear brakes are also standard. There wasn't space for an inboard single
brake. The engine cover is so low, it barely clears the sprocket. In fact, the
entire rear end assembly has become a work of art, with CNC machined aluminum
plates carrying the rear shocks/springs, bellcranks, a-arm location and rear
axle/sprocket unit, with eccentric bearing carriers for chain adjustment.
The suspension is still pushrod and
bellcrank all around, with a 1:1 or better shock/wheel travel ratio.
The
body and other composite work will be made by local Oregon shops specializing in
experimental aircraft, RV's and such. The body
has more rounded front fenders, with lower openings behind the front wheels. The
body sides are lower, more like the new Bentley, which supposedly reduces drag
(vs Audi channels on the body top side). The engine cover was widened slightly
to accept the lower part of the stock Yamaha YZF R1 airbox.
We are also working on paddle
shifters, mounted behind the steering wheel - mechanically operated to start
with. We'll see how it works out."
Further info available from Lee Stohr at (503)
647-2254 or Email via leestohr@teleport.com
Here's a link to the official Stohr DSR
web site (not working as of 10/18/2001).
DSR Home Page
