The new 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine developed by Honda Performance Development has undergone its first track test in South Carolina bolted into an ARX-01C chassis specially modified by Highcroft Racing.

Highcroft Racing

Since winning its first ALMS race as an engine supplier at Sebring in 2007, HPD (Honda Performance Development) has secured a number of American Le Mans Series titles and wins in the LMP1 and LMP2 classes, including victories in both categories the same weekend at Saint Petersburg in 2009.

The 2010 season saw HPD take LMP2 honours in the Le Mans Series and in the Le Mans 24 Hours before announcing its plans to design new engine based on the category’s regulations for 2011, i.e. based on a production engine, with a price capped at €90,000. HPD opted for the powerplant used for the USA-spec Accord Coupé EX-L and the Acura ZDX, which is to say a twin-turbocharged V6.

Developed jointly by HPD and HRA (Honda R&D Americas Inc), the 2.8-litre engine underwent its first track test at Carolina Motorsports Park, near Kershaw. It replaced the familiar 3.4-litre normally-aspirated V8 in an ARX-01c chassis that had been specially modified for the occasion by Highcroft Racing. Simon Pagenaud did the driving, covering some 700km over two days without encountering any serious technical issues.

Highcroft Racing, Honda