Car + engine
In 2006 MAZDASPEED engineers in the U.S. and Japan, in conjunction with U.K. based Advanced Engine Research Ltd (AER), developed an all-new engine which debuted at the 12 Hours of Sebring 2007. The engine is a turbocharged 2.0 litre in-line four cylinder with direct injection based on the production MZR block and was designed and constructed in just 17 weeks. Mazda and AER engineers worked closely with Honeywell Turbo Technologies on the development of a new Garrett Motorsports turbocharger design for this engine.
A Lola LMP2 chassis in combination with the Mazda engine was entered in the American Le Mans Series in 2007 by B-K Motorsports and scored some fine results.
The KSM Lola Mazda in brief
- Chassis: One-piece carbon composite construction monocoque chassis/survival cell
- Bodywork: Pre-preg carbon fibre with honeycomb core to stiffen upper panels, lightweight carbon composite construction underbody and rear wing
- Length: 4650 mm, width: 2000 mm, min. 825 kg weight, 80 litres tank capacity
- Engine: Mazda MZR-R engine prepared by Advanced Engine Research Ltd (AER), 2000cc, in-line 4 cyl., 4 valves per cylinder, Garrett turbocharger, Torque: ~400lb-ft, power: ~500bhp, Traction Control
- Transmission: 6-speed paddle shift sequential unit with lightweight cast magnesium case
- Suspension: Front/rear uprights fabricated from aircraft-quality steel and TIG- welded. Steel-fabricated double wishbones front/rear with flexure-mount front wishbones. Pushrod/rocker activated Bilstein MDS adjustable shock absorbers
- Wheels/Tyres: Wheel rims 18 in dia. x 12.5 in wide front and 18 in dia. x 13 in wide rear. Tyres 305/650R18 dia. front and 325/650R18 rear
- Brakes: 355 mm dia. vented AP carbon discs with carbon pads front/rear
