Page 1 of 1 Having relied on the Courage-based, Wirth Research modified LMP design for nearly a decade, Honda Performance Development commissioned long-time partner Wirth Research with design and construction the construction of an all-new Coupe for the 2015 season. Known as the ARX-04a in LMP1 specification and ARX-04b in LMP2 trim, the sports prototype complies with the latest regulations, which favour closed cars.
Like the ARX-03b it replaces, the new LMP2 Coupe is powered by the production based Honda V6. Derived from the J35 family of engines, the 'HR28TT' features a single overhead camshaft actuating four valves per cylinder and a pair of turbos. The V6's output is regulated by sonic restrictors but should produce around 500 bhp. This power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox.
The first customer of the cost-capped LMP2 machine is ESM Racing, who in 2012 and 2013 fielded a pair of ARX-03bs. The Day-Glo green liveried HPDs will be fielded in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the long distance events of the UnitedSports Car Championship. Page 1 of 1