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GRAND-AM
GRAND-AM: Diesel-Powered Mazda6 GX Rolex Series Concept Revealed
Mazda used the Los Angeles Auto Show to reveal the first rendering of its new-for-2013 diesel Rolex Series platform, the SKYACTIV-D-powered Mazda6.
Mazda will promote its diesel technology using the 2014 Mazda6 platform in GRAND-AM Rolex Series GX competition starting next January. (Photo: Mazda)
Mazda chose the Los Angeles Auto Show as the venue to reveal the first rendering of its new-for-2013 diesel Rolex Series platform, the SKYACTIV-D-powered Mazda6, which replaces the RX-8 as its flagship entry in the GRAND-AM sports car series beginning at January's Rolex 24 At Daytona.
The production-based 2.2-liter, four-cylinder, dual-stage turbocharged engine is expected to power a pair of factory entries in the new, semi-experimental GX class, and to have a presence in at least one P2 car at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The SpeedSource-run diesel GX program will be the first of its kind for the Rolex Series.
“We have been eager to announce this car for months, but had to wait until the production car was revealed," said Mazda North American Operations motorsports director John Doonan.
"The SpeedSource engineering team, working with the Mazda engineers, have been flat out for months on engine development. We’re happy to report that the engine is meeting the performance targets for both power and endurance. That means 400+ hp for over 50 hours, with an engine that includes a very long list of production Mazda parts. This is not a pure race engine; it is a production block SKYACTIV-D. We’re excited about having our newest engine powering our newest car.”
With global plans for the competition version of the SKYACTIV-D, Mazda's Jay Amestoy hopes to see the SpeedSource-built engine become a popular choice in the other major sports car championships.
“This reopens our love affair with Le Mans,” he said upon the motor's unveiling at Le Mans in June. “In 1991 we made history, winning with rotary technology. Now 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. We’ll do it in current Mazda style, with engines being available for sale to European and U.S. customers competing in the LMP2 class for both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).”
Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, and covers the IndyCar Series. Before joining SPEED, Pruett worked in open-wheel racing for 20 years as a mechanic and engineer. He also contributes to RACER, Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett.
The production-based 2.2-liter, four-cylinder, dual-stage turbocharged engine is expected to power a pair of factory entries in the new, semi-experimental GX class, and to have a presence in at least one P2 car at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The SpeedSource-run diesel GX program will be the first of its kind for the Rolex Series.
“We have been eager to announce this car for months, but had to wait until the production car was revealed," said Mazda North American Operations motorsports director John Doonan.
"The SpeedSource engineering team, working with the Mazda engineers, have been flat out for months on engine development. We’re happy to report that the engine is meeting the performance targets for both power and endurance. That means 400+ hp for over 50 hours, with an engine that includes a very long list of production Mazda parts. This is not a pure race engine; it is a production block SKYACTIV-D. We’re excited about having our newest engine powering our newest car.”
With global plans for the competition version of the SKYACTIV-D, Mazda's Jay Amestoy hopes to see the SpeedSource-built engine become a popular choice in the other major sports car championships.
“This reopens our love affair with Le Mans,” he said upon the motor's unveiling at Le Mans in June. “In 1991 we made history, winning with rotary technology. Now 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. We’ll do it in current Mazda style, with engines being available for sale to European and U.S. customers competing in the LMP2 class for both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).”
Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, and covers the IndyCar Series. Before joining SPEED, Pruett worked in open-wheel racing for 20 years as a mechanic and engineer. He also contributes to RACER, Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett.
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