You know Le Mans season is fast approaching when teams set to compete in the legendary race are one by one introducing their 2011 racers to the public. One team that's scheduled to participate in the 24-hour endurance race is Flying Lizard and today, the team officially unveiled a special edition livery for the No. 80 and No. 81 Flying Lizard Porsche 911 GT3 RSR race cars that will compete in Le Mans. The livery, which was created by California-based artist Troy Lee, celebrates the rich and esteemed history of Porsche at Le Mans, highlighted by the 28 drivers that have won the world-famous endurance race while driving a Porsche->ke1.

Although the design is similar for both cars, they sport different color schemes - candy metallic orange for the No. 80 and candy metallic blue for the No. 81 - with the primary colors providing backdrop for the driver names and flags that weave throughout the design of the race car.

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is powered by a 4.0-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine mated to a six-speed gearbox, producing an output of 455 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and a peak of 332 lb/ft of torque.

Continued after the jump.

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Flying Lizard

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Flying Lizard
  • Engine/Motor: six-cylinder boxer engine
  • Horsepower: 455 hp at 7,800 rpm
  • Torque: 332 lb/ft of torque
  • Transmission: six-speed gearbox
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

In creating the design for the car, Troy Lee wanted to bring out the vibrant colors of the drivers' country flags. "We were imagining how they could be put to life on a racecar, as if they were blowing by on the front straight," he explains.

"Once we had the theme, we focused on making it come to life in 3D. The challenge was to really show off the depth and movement of these amazing cars, while maintaining the integrity of the Porsche design."

Jennifer Hart, Flying Lizard's VP of Marketing, explains the significance of the special livery. "The livery commemorates the heritage of Porsche at Le Mans, starting with drivers Hans Hermann and Richard Attwood, who secured the first overall victory for Porsche in 1970," she said.

Porsche Motorsport North America President Jens Walther echoed Hart's statements. "We are proud that Flying Lizard chose to honor the 28 drivers who have stood on the top step of the podium for Porsche at Le Mans," he said.

"This design exemplifies the effort that Flying Lizard puts into every aspect of their race preparation, and shows why Lizard drivers have won the American Le Mans Series GT championship for the last three years."