Photos: Lola Cars International
The recently released Ford 3.5-liter, direct injection V6 engine will be modified by Mooresville, NC, engine builder, Roush Yates, for use by Lola Cars in their 2011 LMP2 design. Changes in the class regulations for 2011 require that production-based engines be used. Lola Cars International is the first race car constructor to support the new Ford engine.
“Everyone at Roush Yates Engines is excited to partner with such a prominent car constructor of LMP sports cars,” said John Maddox, Sports Car Program Manager for Roush Yates Engines. “We are proud to build exceptional engines to pair with Lola’s LMP2 design as we enter this innovative championship. Roush Yates Engines plans to use this opportunity to continue improving our technology and efficiency as we strive towards our goal of becoming world-class engine builders.”
The Ecoboost engine will have to have its displacement reduced by ten percent, in order to meet the allowed maximum displacement under American LeMans Series (ALMS) regulations. According to a Roush Yates spokesperson, the modified V6 is expected to deliver around 400 hp. A twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, as used in the 2010 Taurus SHO, produces 365 hp @ 5,500 rpm while meeting fuel economy and emissions objectives.
In addition to the EcoBoost V6, Roush Yates is reportedly evaluating a race version of Ford’s recently released, 5.0-liter, all-aluminum V8 for ALMS competition in the LMP1 class.
