Seen on various race tracks all over the world since 2012, in both LMP1 and LMP2 specifications, Honda->ke34's ARX-03 prototype will retire at the end of the 2014 season. The news comes straight from Honda Performance Development (HPD), who has announced that a new iteration will be introduced for 2015.
To roll out under the ARX-04b name, the LMP2 racer is built on the same successful HPD recipe, and comes with the HR28TT engine under its lightweight hood. The 2.8-liter, V6 unit is based on the J35 engine found in many Acura->ke10 road vehicles and relies on a pair of turbochargers for extra oomph.
As with many motorsport updates, the new racer features a lighter body, improved aerodynamics and a gearbox that can be tweaked to support many track configurations. The fuel tank, which benefits from Honda's innovative refueling safety interlock system, now has a capacity of 75 liters (19.8 gallons).
Naturally, the race car->ke148 was built with the latest ACO LMP2 and IMSA regulations in mind, including a cost-capped chassis, and will be eligible for all competitions governed by the said bodies. Just like its predecessor, the ARX-04b was co-developed by HPD and U.K.-based Wirth Research, a technical joint-venture that has spawned numerous IndyCar->ke1559, American Le Mans and World Endurance Championship achievements.
Customers that will rely on the ARX-04b LMP2 starting next season will also benefit from HPD's technical assistance, simulator sessions and data-logging options, along with other additional features that will be available for purchase.
Click past the jump to read more about the Honda Performance Development ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe.
2014 Honda Performance Development ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe
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- Model: 2014 Honda Performance Development ARX-04b LMP2 Coupe
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Competitors
Ford Riley Technologies Daytona Prototype
The Ford->ke31 Riley Daytona Prototype made its race debut this year, when both Chip Ganassi Racing and Michael Shank Racing decided to go with the EcoBoost power provided by the Blue Oval company.
Developed in cooperation with Riley Technologies, who supplied the chassis and many other vital components, the race car is motivated by a 3.5-liter, V-6 unit. Besides taking care of engine development, Ford also created the lightweight body, with production designer Garen Nicoghosian and Ford Racing chief of aerodynamics Bernie Marcus in charge of the project.
Before it made its debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January, the Ford Riley Prototype has set two speed world records on the said track, hitting 210.018 mph in 10 miles from a standing start and 202.438 mph in 10 km from a standing start.
Additionally, the EcoBoost-propelled race car reached a top speed of 222.971 mph, shattering the 26-year-old record held by NASCAR->ke3635 driver Bill Elliot.