Honda has unveiled a new closed-cockpit Le Mans Prototype racer, the first ever from the automaker’s California-based Honda Performance Development.
The HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe is powered by HPD’s HR28TT, a 2.8-liter twin-turbo V6 that’s already powered several LMP2 class-winning race cars, based on the production six-pot that powers the Acura MDX, RDX and TLX. Though heavily reworked, the competition motor still retains over 400 of Honda’s production engine parts, including the block, heads, crankshaft, direct-injection fuel system, and drive-by-wire hardware.
Last year Honda swept both the LMP1 and LMP2 titles in engine, team and drivers’ championships in the American Le Mans series. In addition, several class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and over 70 ALMS victories have proven HPD’s abilities.
The ARX-04b will comply with requirements for a number of international racing leagues, including IMSA, WEC, ELMS and the Asian Le Mans Series and will be offered to teams for the 2015 season.
Leave a Reply