Mazda is set to make a return to Le Mans - and what's more, it's wading into the diesel fray with a race-tuned version of its 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D powerplant.
The new engine will power Dempsey Racing's LMP2 entry, which will be driven by actor, racing driver and team co-owner Patrick Dempsey and his business partner Joe Foster. The team will be the first customer for the race-spec Skyactiv-D, which will be available to teams taking part in not only the World Endurance Championship and the American Le Mans Series, but also the new Advanced Technology GX class of the 2013 Grand-Am championship.
Mazda hopes that the news will rekindle memories of its Le Mans win in 1991, when its rotary-powered 787B became the only Asian car ever to take victory at the event. But the company is keen to emphasise the Skyactiv-D's environmental credentials, too. "Today we reopen our love affair with Le Mans and mark the beginning of a whole new chapter in motor racing for Mazda," said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations. "We're looking to return to the winner's circle with what we believe will be the most advanced and cleanest production-based powerplant the sport has ever seen."
The new Skyactiv-D's development programme is already underway, with dyno testing taking place right now. The company hopes to have the engine out on track for testing by the end of 2012.