Peugeot diesel for Le Mans

[Plex]

Aiming to follow the path of Audi's R10 diesel success, Peugeot is targeting a win in the 2007 Le Mans 24-hour race with the V12 HDi powered 908.

This new car will follow in the footsteps of the legendary Peugeot 905, winner of the World Sports Car Championship and Le Mans 24-hour race in 1992 and the historic one, two, three finish in 1993.

Unlike the 905 which was powered by a 3.5-litre V10 petrol engine, the new contender will be powered by a 5.5-litre V12 HDi diesel engine. This is the maximum engine size that regulations allow and was chosen for its efficient operation at low engine speeds. It also enables engine power to be limited in the first instance, but also enables further development.

The level of performance expected is more than 515kW of power and a torque output greater than 1200 Nm.

The choice of a V12 engine helps keep the cylinder bore diameter very close to that of a production series engine so Peugeot can call on the knowledge gained during the development of the current HDi diesel engines. It also ensures the engine has a reasonable length piston stroke.

The V12 architecture, which uses a 100 degree V angle, also keeps vibration to a minimum, allowing the engine's centre of gravity to be lowered without affecting its torsional rigidity.

Two diesel particulate filters are mounted at the end of each of the exhaust systems. Through technology which has come directly from production cars, they will provide a guaranteed control of exhaust emissions under all operating conditions.

On September 28, Peugeot will present the scale model at the Paris Motor Show, followed two days later by the running of the V12 HDi DPFS engine on a test bed.

In December 2006 the first drive of the car will be completed by test driver Eric H�lary, winner of the 1993 Le Mans 24-hour race in the Peugeot 905.


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