pgarratt

Here's the story from Fernandez Racing;

"Testing for Acura's 2007 American Le Mans Series program got off to an excellent start this week with a successful two-day test at Arizona's Firebird International Raceway. Lowe's Fernandez Racing and driver Adrian Fernandez completed more than 250 trouble-free miles of testing Tuesday and Wednesday on the 1.25-mile Firebird East circuit, utilizing the new Acura LM V-8 engine fitted to a Lola B05/40 chassis and running on Michelin competition tires.

"This test is the next step in the fulfillment of the project that will make Honda Performance Development a full-fledged, self-sufficient Research and Development company," said Robert Clarke, president of HPD. "The initial step was to build the infrastructure and facilities to support the Acura effort, and the second was to actually build the American Le Mans Series engine.

"We've had the engine on the dynamometer for more than three months, so we expected it to run reliably during the test," Clarke added, "although we weren't 100 percent certain what would happen when the engine and chassis were put together in a single package."
On Tuesday, Fernandez completed a total of 102 laps with no mechanical problems despite temperatures that reached 108 degrees, recording a best lap time of 48.7 seconds. Wednesday, Fernandez completed an additional 105 trouble-free laps, in equally hot conditions, and lowered his best lap time to 47.26 seconds.

"The two-day test at Firebird was actually the third step in the process, and was certainly a special moment in the overall development of the program," Clarke said. "To see a car on the race track with an engine completely designed and developed by HPD was truly historic, and a proud moment for the company. The fact that the test has gone so smoothly and successfully is a tribute to everyone involved with the program and a great source of pride as well."

Fernandez and team co-owner Tom Anderson were equally upbeat following the conclusion of the test. "I can't remember a first test with a brand-new package ever going this well," Fernandez said. "Everyone at Acura and Lowe's Fernandez Racing just did a tremendous job in preparing this car. I can't say enough. All their hard work got us off to a great start, and also allowed us to begin our testing program for next year early.
"My first laps in the car were unbelievable," Fernandez continued. "The sound of the engine, the effortless steering, the brakes, it was a tremendous experience. The car is fast! It felt great from the start, and I was amazed at how quickly we were able to make strides to continually get the car better and better. I'm thrilled that Lowe's Fernandez Racing is a partner with Acura in this project, and extremely encouraged and excited for our first season in the American Le Mans Series next year."

"This is without a doubt the strongest opening test for any new racing program that I have ever witnessed," said Anderson, who began his career in sports car racing. "It shows the awesome talent and dedication strengths of HPD, Lola and Michelin to the American Le Mans Series program. It is such a pleasure to watch the car run. We can hardly wait to see it run again as our testing program continues through the fall and winter."

Testing of the Acura LMP2 entries will continue in October, with the American Le Mans Series competition debut taking place next March at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Three teams will campaign the 2007 championship utilizing Acura LM V-8 power, with Andretti Green Racing and Highcroft Racing joining Lowe's Fernandez Racing under the Acura Motorsports banner. "

RayBaer

KICK ASS!!!

Bullitt44

I am going to order one with a CD player and roof rack!

Scott Evil

WHat are the specs on the motor?

Honda_mann

whahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

thats the best thing i ever seen..

wheres the gray is gay one!

efthimios

Adrian was on the phone with a co-worker of mine (son of Adrian's accountant) telling him that the Acura LMP2 was one of the most amazing cars he's ever taken around the track


this year at the Rolex Series

Popeye

They need to put that engine in an Acura road car and the next Ridgeline

pgarratt

I'm sure they've designed it to the limit of the rules, which are;
A maximum of 3.4 liters and 8 cylinders. The only real choices are to run one or two restrictors.
I'd doubt they publish the size and weight of the motor.

Porsche's 3.4 V8 revs to 10,500rpm. I'd imagine the Acura would do a bit more.

JHo

I can't wait to see what new road going technology they come up with on this motor. I like NASCAR, but this seems so much more useful to all of us enthusiasts. Hmmm, a 4.0-4.3 liter V8 for the next RL and maybe a gas and/or diesel variant for the truck line. That would be sweet.

RichUK

There is also some talk of one of the teams using a Judd engine too