Connect with us

WeatherTech Championship

Gibson Selected as 2017 LMP2 Spec Engine Provider

Gibson Technology awarded spec LMP2 engine contract…

Photo: Laurent Chaveau/Endurance-Info

Photo: Laurent Chaveau/Endurance-Info

The FIA, ACO and IMSA have selected Gibson Technology to produce the spec engine that will be used in LMP2 competition worldwide beginning in 2017, with Cosworth having been named as the sole electronics supplier for the new-generation of prototypes.

Gibson, which currently maintains Nissan’s LMP2 powerplants, will produce a four-liter normally aspirated V8, capable of delivering in excess of 600 horsepower, per the new regulations.

It will be the spec engine in the FIA World Endurance Championship, while also being eligible for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and European Le Mans Series, which will both allow multiple engine manufacturers.

The engine will additionally be eligible in the Asian Le Mans Series, which will go through an extended transitional phase of LMP2 machinery.

The British manufacturer won out over four other tenders, which included bids from both Judd and Mecachrome.

“Gibson is extremely privileged to have been chosen as the engine manufacturer to the new LMP2 series and it is a testament to our workforce and the products they have produced over many years,” said Gibson Technology Operations Director John Manchester.

“Gibson has over 20 years experience supplying engines for single make racing series and we are confident that we can make a valuable contribution in helping, what is already a flourishing series, become an even more successful sports car racing category.”

The spec engine will not feature any branding from auto manufacturers, but will be eligible for team-specific branding and potentially also from boutique automakers, under the approval of the FIA Endurance Commission.

Cosworth electronic units, meanwhile, will be equipped in all LMP2 cars worldwide, including in IMSA competition, where the ECUs will play a role in the Balance of Performance between powerplants.

Monday’s confirmation of the spec engine and electronics suppliers comes on the heels of ORECA, Onroak Automotive, Riley-Multimatic and Dallara having been named as the four selected chassis constructors in July.

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John

14 Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

More in WeatherTech Championship