Just seen this
Engine Developments is delighted to announce that it is introducing a completely new LMP2 engine for the 2008 season.
Code name “DB”, the new engine will be the latest in a highly successful line of Sportscar engines produced by the company and it is hoped that it will continue the high level of success achieved over the past few years.
“There are a number of areas in the current engine that we felt we could improve on,” said John Judd, Managing Director of Engine Developments. “However, with the increasing level of competition in LMP2 both in Europe and America we decided that a completely new design was the best way to achieve our targets”.
The DB will be a state of the art high technology low friction design, which will be lighter and more powerful than the current XV. It will maximise the performance potential of a 3.4 litre V8 within the current restrictor regulations, whilst at the same time maintain the reliability that has been achieved both with the current XV LMP2 engine and the highly successful GV5.5 V10 in LMP1.
“Our aim is to work closely with an existing front running team capable of maximising the potential of the new engine,” Judd said. “The target is to take class wins in the LMP2 Championship and at the Le Mans 24 Hours. We are under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge ahead of us, but with our extensive experience we believe we can achieve our goals.”
Design and manufacturing work is already underway, with the engine expected to dyno test in January 2008 prior to in-car testing and its race debut. Engine Developments are already in discussions with potential partner teams in both the USA and Europe with a view to contest the 2008 season.
Could be interesting to see how it stacks up agianst the P2 Porsches in ALMS ....
