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  HPD ARX-03a      

  Article Image gallery (27) Specifications  
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Country of origin:Japan
Introduced in:2012
Designed by:Wirth Research for HPD
Predecessor:HPD ARX-01e
Successor:HPD ARX-03c
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:September 27, 2011
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Click here to download printer friendly versionLike all other HPD Le Mans Prototypes, the ARX-03 still boasts an open cockpit whereas most other LMP1 cars are now coupes. The actual aerodynamics package is a further development of the ARX-01e and the earlier ARX-02. Accordingly, it is fitted with relatively wide front tyres and suitably large front fenders. A significant change for 2012 was the addition of the mandatory fin on the rear deck and large holes on top of the fenders.

No fewer than three teams opted to run the ARX-03a in 2012 with Muscle Milk Picket Racing competing in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), while Strakka Racing and JRM opting to field the LMP1 HPD in the new FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Muscle Milk proved most successful, scoring several outright victories and claiming the ALMS title. Facing much stronger opposition the pair of WEC entrants only managed to get on the podium once.

Ahead of the 2013 season, HPD and Wirth Research further developed the LMP1 variant of the ARX-03. Compared to the outgoing version the revised ARX-03c now boasts full width front wheels also necessitating redesigned front fenders and headlight units. No new chassis were constructed with both Strakka Racing and Muscle Milk Picket Racing updating their cars accordingly for full season programs in the WEC and ALMS respectively.

Muscle Milk Picket Racing kicked off the year with a fourth at Sebring and took the ARX-03c's first win in the following round at Long Beach. Strakka Racing had a more difficult start of the year with a seventh in round two of the WEC as the best result. While in the United States, Muscle Milk Picket Racing continued their winning ways, Strakka Racing ended their car's career at a high with a fine sixth and best privateer at Le Mans.

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  Article Image gallery (27) Specifications