Power struggle

There are four very different engines, each with their own distinct technical philosophy, powering the new breed of privateer LMP1 entries. The question is, which will have the edge at Le Mans?

By GEMMA HATTON

The regulations for LMP1 privateer or non-hybrid engines are, in motorsport terms, relatively free With Toyota the only remaining LMP1 manufacturer the 2018/19 WEC season presents the best opportunity ever for a privateer team to not only claim that final podium spot at Le Mans, but potentially the victory too. It’s hardly surprising then, with eight privateer entries, the hunger for the Le Mans podium has triggered an engineering war, with the development of the LMP1 engine the most significant battle. But with four different concepts ranging from naturally aspirated 4.5-litre V8s to 3.4-litre V6 turbos, who has got it right, and who has got it wrong? In terms of design, the regulations for LMP1 privateer, or non-hybrid, engines are in motorsport terms relatively free. Unsurprisingly, they have to be four-stroke petrol…

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Racecar Engineering (Digital) - 1 Issue, July 2018

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