V-10 AIM-JUDD Engine Announced for 2018 LMP1
British manufacturer Engine Developments is the brand behind the Judd engines and is set to work alongside AIM Co. to produce a V10 engine available next year.
The 5.5-liter V10 engine badged as AIM-JUDD is designed to avoid issues found on other turbocharged engines or naturally-aspirated V8 and V12 designs.
It will feature a new 72-degree cylinder block weighing less than previous Judd and AIM designs and an updated engine management system alongside several other improvements.
Judd had plans to offer a similar engine to teams in 2016 but it was never used.
“We believe the V10 platform should be the natural choice for any LMP1 team that is serious about having a trouble-free run in the 2018 [24 Hours of Le Mans] race," a statement from Engine Developments read.
“We are delighted we will take on the Le Mans challenge again with our friends and long-standing partners AIM in this new and exciting program."
The engine is expected to be made available to privateer teams on a lease-only basis for use in the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Constructors with LMP1 privateer programs in the works for next season include Ginetta, Dallara/BR Engineering and ByKolles although ORECA could also produce a car in time for 2018.