Honda Performance Development will offer customer teams around the
world the very latest in LMP2 closed-cockpit sports car technology next
year, with the unveiling of its new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe.
The new design is a result of the continuing teamwork between
California-based HPD and England’s Wirth Research. This technical
pairing has already proved to be a winning combination, with success in
INDYCAR, the American Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance
Championship, including LMP2 and LMP1 Privateer class victories at the
24 Hours of Le Mans.
The ARX-04b sports car is fully compliant with the new ACO LMP2
regulations, and exceeds the latest safety standards of the new
enclosed-cockpit configuration. The proven 2.8-liter twin-turbo, direct
injection, production-based Honda HR28TT V6 powerplant now includes a
regulation compliant drive-by-wire throttle system and fresh air valve
system, eliminating turbo lag and providing improved reliability and
performance.
“We are very excited for our new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe to see the
light of day, combining all of our successes in international sportscar
racing with the very latest regulations for closed-cockpit prototypes,”
said Steve Eriksen, HPD vice president and COO. “Our production-based
Honda HR28TT engine has powered all of our LMP2 sportscars since the ACO
regulations set the new cost-capped direction in 2011, and since its
introduction the 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6 powerplant has achieved some
truly great successes around the world – including multiple engine
manufacturer championships, victory at the Sebring 12 Hours and the 24
Hour of Le Mans, as well as powering the first LMP2 FIA World Endurance
Champion. We are confident that our latest iteration of the HR28TT
engine and its associated systems will satisfy even the most
discriminating drivers and power the new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe to even
greater successes around the world.”
Additional features of the ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe include:
- Energy-efficient technology with low drag and high fuel efficiency.
- A cost-capped chassis, fully compliant with ACO and IMSA regulations and designed to compete and win the toughest endurance races in the world.
- “Quick Change” front and rear bodywork.
- Innovative Honda refueling safety interlock system designed to reduce the potential for pit fires resulting from leaving the pit box with fuel hoses inserted (applied to all IndyCars since 2011)
- Engine installation includes a proven turbo mounting system and top exit exhaust, meeting all ACO and IMSA noise regulations.
- Gearbox changes which can be made to cover the complete range of circuits.
- A 75-litre total capacity fuel cell, and lightweight, durable bodywork.
The ARX-04b will continue the HR28TT powerplant, developed by HPD
from the production Honda “J35” series of V6 engines currently found in
the Acura MDX and RLX in North America, in addition to the upcoming 2015
Acura TLX. The racing engine continues to use more than 400 production
engine parts, including the engine block and heads, crankshaft,
direct-injection fuel system, valve train components, drive-by-wire
hardware and even the stock Honda oil filter.
As part of their after-sales support services, HPD and Wirth will
provide teams with technical assistance and bulletins, as well as
additional options available for purchase. Additional bespoke options
include driver-in-the-loop simulator sessions, data-logging, race and
performance engineering, and MuRiTyre and Apotheca software.
“Wirth Research is proud of its history of consistently creating
championship-winning prototype sports cars with and on behalf of Honda
Performance Development (HPD). Using our pioneering CFD design
techniques, we have created the all-new HPD ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe,” said
Wirth Research President Nick Wirth. “Not only is it a stunning-looking
race car, we are confident that our revolutionary all-digital design
approach will ensure that HPD’s 2015 LMP2 Coupe customers will benefit
from fielding the most aero-efficient, balanced and competitive LMP2 car
on the 2015 grid.”
Wirth Research has been at the forefront of Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) in high-level motorsports for almost a decade, and has
played an indispensable role in the overwhelming success of ARX sports
cars.
About Honda Performance Development
HPD was founded in 1993 as the performance arm of American Honda
Motor Company, to spearhead the company’s entry into IndyCar racing. No
other manufacturer has matched Honda’s success in IndyCars, which
includes 205 race victories, 15 drivers’ championships, six
manufacturers’ championships and nine consecutive Indianapolis 500
victories (2004-2012). In 2013, Honda powered veteran Scott Dixon to
four race wins and the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series championship; and
Tristan Vautier to series Rookie of the Year honors.
HPD’s prototype racing efforts have resulted in more than 70
victories and multiple American Le Mans Series engine, chassis, team,
and drivers’ championships. The company’s sports-car racing debut in
2007 at the 12 Hours of Sebring marked the first win for HPD’s LM-V8
engine and the first for a Honda racing engine designed and developed
outside of Japan. HPD won the LMP2 title in the inaugural 2012 World
Endurance Championship and since 2010 has twice won the LMP2 category at
the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In 2013, HPD and Honda again swept the LMP1 and LMP2 manufacturers’,
engine, team and drivers’ championships in the American Le Mans Series;
while HPD-equipped Strakka Racing claimed the LMP1 private team class
win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
HPD participates in competition on both two wheels and four. The
company offers a complete line of race engines for cars from grass roots
to pinnacle; for professional, amateur and entry-level racers. For more
information about HPD and the company’s racing and Street Performance
product lines, please visit http://hpd.honda.com.
