Cosworth’s performance electronics will feature in this weekend’s 85th edition of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance classic.
Of the sixty cars lined up to take part in the popular race, all 25 of the LMP2 cars will run a Cosworth performance electronics solution, which forms part of a comprehensive overhaul of the LMP2 regulations for the 2017 season.
Cosworth was awarded the exclusive electronics supply for the new-look LMP2 class back in September 2015 after a competitive tender process, the company working diligently since then to deliver the comprehensive electronics solution for the more powerful 600bhp V8-powered cars.
Cosworth’s LMP2 kit includes a number of brand new solutions: a compact and lightweight Ethernet hub and USB data logger (the RLU), which offers a single-point of offload and immediate data retrieval for all Cosworth devices; a new era of motorsport switch panel (the RSP20); and Cosworth’s latest carbon fibre steering wheel (the CCW MkII) with integrated colour display, and fully customisable displays, buttons and dial functions.
In addition, Cosworth’s IPS32, a 32-output power management system manages all on car power requirements and the company’s flagship MQ12Di Engine Control Unit (ECU) provides advanced engine control strategies and high-rate data logging into a compact single-box solution.
Cosworth has worked together with Gibson Technology, the sole engine supplier to LMP2, and the teams’ own suppliers of electronics parts not connected to theandated solution.
With a dedicated team of on-site Cosworth engineers, on hand to work with each of the LMP2 teams throughout the rigours of the Le Mans weekend, the support goes far beyond supply of hardware.
The company has been liaising closely with teams since the start of the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series, as well as in the US with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, to prepare for Le Mans, one of the jewels in endurance racing’s crown.
Managing Director, Cosworth Electronics, Thomas Buckler said: “We are delighted to be providing a comprehensive performance electronics solution for the LMP2 cars this season, and particularly for Le Mans. We’ve already seen the new cars in action in WEC and ELMS races, and we’re expecting a fierce battle for victory this weekend. The Le Mans 24 Hours will offer the ultimate test of our LMP2 kits and we have worked hard with our teams and drivers to optimise the performance of our products.”
