Panoz DP01

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The Panoz DP01 is the recently introduced Champ Car World Series race car that will be used in the 2007 season. It was introduced to the world at the Grand Prix of San Jose on July 28, 2006.

The Panoz DP01 was developed to be safer, and less aerodependant while racing closely with other cars. The new model has had numerous changes from the previous Lola car, including more downforce from the underbody. Approximately 60% of the cars 5500 lbs of downforce at 200 mph will come from the bottom of the car. This is done by directing the air in a way to create downforce on the car, by sucking it to the racetrack. This will put less dependency on the front and rear wings in the event of a failure at a high rate of speed.

Another major improvement from the previous car is the lifted nose of the car. The front wing is now being held below the nose, allowing the underbody aerodynamics to work properly. The raised nose will also create a safer environment for the driver in the event of a head on collision with a wall or another car.^{[citation needed]}

The driver will be sitting more upright than previous year, to reduce the chances of back injuries, and to accommodate the use of the HANS device.