Mazda->ke53 is preparing to enter the only diesel->ke1917-powered prototype racer in the new Tudor United SportsCar Championship.

Diesel-powered racers have dominated endurance racing in the last decade. The 24 Hours of Le Mans has been won by an oil-burner for eight-years running. Even the FIA World Endurance Championship races have seen a diesel powered car on the podium at every single race.

Mazda is the only Japanese manufacture to win overall at Le Mans when it took the podium in 1991 with its rotary-powered 787B. Mazda is hoping that it can pull a page from Audi->ke14's book and is looking to diesel power to try and dominate the prototype class in the new TUDOR racing series.

We have all the details on this ambitious new race car->ke148 and who will be driving it at Daytona later this month.

2014 Mazda TUDOR Prototype

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mazda TUDOR Prototype
  • Horsepower: 450
  • Torque: 580
  • Transmission: Six-speed sequential with paddle shifters
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

2014 Mazda TUDOR Prototype in Detail

Powered by a highly modified version of Mazda's 2.2-liter, Skyactiv-D four-cylinder, the new Mazda Prototype pumps 450 horsepower and 580 pound-feet of twist to the pavement. Shifting duties are being handled by a six-speed sequential transmission from XTrac which is operated via paddle shifters.

Stopping duties are handled by a set of carbon brakes from AP. The rotors are cross drilled units, but Mazda did not reveal the size of the discs or the configuration of the calipers.

Wheels are 18-inch forged aluminum units provided by Motegi, and the rubber is provided by Continental in the form of Extreme Contact racing slicks.

The car is built on the carbon-fiber tub of the Lola LMP2 chassis. With the aggressive aero package fitted for Daytona, the top speed should clock in just shy of 190 mph.

Mazda is fielding two of the new racers at the season opening Rolex 24 Hour->ke3955 race on January 25-26. Piloting the cars will be Sylvain Tremblay, Tom Long, Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez. Tremblay and Long will be in the #70 car while Nunez and Miller will manning the No. 07 car. Mazda still has to announce one more driver for each car, but currently has not released information on who that may be.