Honda twin-turbo V6 completes first test
The highly anticipated first track test of the 2011-spec LMP2 engine built by Honda Performance Development was a complete success, according to Highcroft Racing team owner Duncan Dayton.
The production-based 2.8 Liter twin-turbo V6, announced last June during the 24 Hours of Le Mans event, complies with the ACO’s new-for-2011 LMP2 rules which call for the use of more road-relevant motors. HPD’s LMP2 engine is wholly unrelated to the brand-new, purpose-built engine it will produce for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season.
After earning two consecutive LMP2 constructors’ championships with its naturally-aspirated 3.4 Liter V8 engine, HPD chose their partners at Highcroft Racing to conduct the first track test with the engine installed in the team’s championship-winning HPD ARX-01c chassis.
Prior to the test, and with the help of HPD, Dayton says the process of fitting the new power plant and making the necessary changes to the engine’s ancillaries went smoothly.
“We got the first engine model—a mockup of the engine—about seven weeks ago from HPD. It wasn’t a real engine, but it allowed us to start the fitment process. Our fabricators and mechanics started making the ductwork, the piping, getting the intercooler and radiators fitted and everything else that goes with switching over to a turbocharged engine. The boys really enjoyed it and we learned a lot of things in the process. I think we’ve come up with a rather elegant layout, even though this first iteration is more of a test mule than anything, but we tried to make it as pretty as possible. I’m sure some of the items will change once we get all of our notes together."