From Highcroft Racing
Highcroft Racing has unveiled its new Honda Performance Development ARX-01e LMP1 machine - the new car which the back-to-back American Le Mans Series champions will take into battle at next week’s 12 Hours of Sebring.
HPD’s latest entry into the overall LMP1 class is powered by a development of the 3.4-liter V8 engine, which has been the mainstay of its sportscar activities since the debut of the Acura program in 2007.
The final driver to do battle alongside David Brabham and Marino Franchitti in the ARX-01e will be revealed very soon, but the name of Simon Pagenaud is hotly tipped.
While the carbon fibre tub and engine of the ARX-01e may have come from last year’s championship-winning LMP2 ARX-01c machine that is where the similarities end.
The new car features a heavily revised aerodynamic and suspension package design and built by HPD’s partner, Wirth Research.
In LMP1 spec, the engine is fed by a larger air restrictor to combat the additional 50kg required for the LMP1 class (900kg).
While the HPD engineers toiled away on the durability testing of the engine at the higher power specification, Wirth Research worked hard to develop the new aero package, which has been designed with an eye to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Over the past four years, Highcroft Racing has clinched 11 ALMS wins, nine poles, 27 podiums and two championships.
Engine Type: HPD LM-V8
Horsepower: 500 + BHP
Configuration: Naturally aspirated, fuel-injected, aluminum alloy cylinder block V-8
Displacement: 3.4 liters
Valve Train: Dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
Lubrication: Dry sump
Fuel: Unleaded 100 octane E10 gasoline
Engine Management: Continental/Honda ECU
Ignition System: CDI
Traction Control: Yes, only engine power reduction permitted
Clutch: Carbon, pull type
Transmission: 6-speed sequential, driver controlled paddle shift
Car specifications
Tires: Michelin slicks; grooved options for rain
Front size: 33/68-18
Rear size: 37/71-18
Brakes: 4-piston carbon
Fuel Capacity: 19.8 U.S. gallons maximum (75 liters)
Weight: 1984 lb (900 kg) minimum without driver or fuel
Length: 182 inches (462 cm)
Height: 40 inches (102 cm)
Width: 78.7 inches (200 cm)
Wheelbase: 108-120 inches (274-304 cm)
Suspension: Pushrod with double wishbones, front and rear anti-roll bars
Highcroft Racing has unveiled its new Honda Performance Development ARX-01e LMP1 machine - the new car which the back-to-back American Le Mans Series champions will take into battle at next week’s 12 Hours of Sebring.
 |
| Photo: Highcroft Racing |
HPD’s latest entry into the overall LMP1 class is powered by a development of the 3.4-liter V8 engine, which has been the mainstay of its sportscar activities since the debut of the Acura program in 2007.
The final driver to do battle alongside David Brabham and Marino Franchitti in the ARX-01e will be revealed very soon, but the name of Simon Pagenaud is hotly tipped.
While the carbon fibre tub and engine of the ARX-01e may have come from last year’s championship-winning LMP2 ARX-01c machine that is where the similarities end.
 |
| Photo: Highcroft Racing |
The new car features a heavily revised aerodynamic and suspension package design and built by HPD’s partner, Wirth Research.
In LMP1 spec, the engine is fed by a larger air restrictor to combat the additional 50kg required for the LMP1 class (900kg).
While the HPD engineers toiled away on the durability testing of the engine at the higher power specification, Wirth Research worked hard to develop the new aero package, which has been designed with an eye to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Over the past four years, Highcroft Racing has clinched 11 ALMS wins, nine poles, 27 podiums and two championships.
 |
| Photo: Highcroft Racing |
Engine Type: HPD LM-V8
Horsepower: 500 + BHP
Configuration: Naturally aspirated, fuel-injected, aluminum alloy cylinder block V-8
Displacement: 3.4 liters
Valve Train: Dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
Lubrication: Dry sump
Fuel: Unleaded 100 octane E10 gasoline
Engine Management: Continental/Honda ECU
Ignition System: CDI
Traction Control: Yes, only engine power reduction permitted
Clutch: Carbon, pull type
Transmission: 6-speed sequential, driver controlled paddle shift
Car specifications
Tires: Michelin slicks; grooved options for rain
Front size: 33/68-18
Rear size: 37/71-18
Brakes: 4-piston carbon
Fuel Capacity: 19.8 U.S. gallons maximum (75 liters)
Weight: 1984 lb (900 kg) minimum without driver or fuel
Length: 182 inches (462 cm)
Height: 40 inches (102 cm)
Width: 78.7 inches (200 cm)
Wheelbase: 108-120 inches (274-304 cm)
Suspension: Pushrod with double wishbones, front and rear anti-roll bars