PENSKE TO COMPETE WITH MERCEDES ENGINE IN 1994 INDIANAPOLIS 500
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INDIANAPOLIS (APRIL 13, 1994) -- Roger Penske and Mercedes-Benz today
announced that a newly designed Mercedes-Benz Indy 500 engine developed
by Mercedes-Benz partner Ilmor Engineering will be used by Marlboro Team
Penske in the 1994 Indianapolis 500.
The developmental engine has been designed to meet the United States Auto
Club (USAC) National Championship Division regulation for the Indianapolis
500 under the category of the new pushrod-operated (in-block single camshaft),
two-valves-per-cylinder design. Mercedes-Benz and Ilmor also have an all new
engine currently under design for the 1995 PPG Indy Car World Series,
including the Indianapolis 500.
Ilmor Engineering was founded by Mario Illien and Paul Morgan in 1983.
It has a workforce of 150 employees with design and manufacturing operations
at its headquarters in Brixworth, Northamptonshire, England. Ilmor-powered
entries have won five PPG Indy Car World Series Championships and 87
races (70%) out of 125 starts including six consecutive Indianapolis
500 victories.
Mercedes-Benz and Ilmor started their collaboration in November, 1993, with
a comprehensive plan for the development, construction, and running of
Formula 1 and Indy Car racing engine. Mercedes-Benz holds a 20 percent
interest in Ilmor's U.S. affiliate. The acquisition of a similar interest
in the United Kingdom engineering firm by Mercedes-Benz is nearly completed.
Roger Penske, who has fielded entire for 26 consecutive years sat the
Indianapolis 500 with a record nine victories, said, "In looking at the
USAC rules for the 1994 Indianapolis 500 with Mercedes-Benz, we thought
the push rod/two-valve design would be a competitive power plant, considering
the past success of the Buick pushrod engine. With this commitment from
Merceds-Benz, we are addressing the challenge of developing this new engine
for the 1994 Indianapolis 500."
Helmut Werner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz AG,
commented, "We think that together with Penske and Ilmor, we have an unique
opportunity to go to Indianapolis in 1994 with three champion drivers:
Emerson Fittipaldi, Paul Tracy, and Al Unser, Jr. Indianapolis is the
world's largest single day sporting event. The Indianapolis 500 presents
a substantial challenge for a manufacturer to demonstrate technical
excellence. But most importantly, Mercedes-Benz want to support its
U.S. market offensive by its participation in this most important motor race."
Werner continued, "The direct pressure of competition is a great incentive
for the technical transfer of knowledge from the race cars to create quality
ad total performance in our passenger cars. it is also a great motivator for
our employees who build the cars as well as the public, who buys our cars."
Through Detroit Diesel Corporation, Penske and Mercedes-Benz parent,
Daimler-Benz AG, also collaborate on the development, production and
distribution of diesel engines in the field of commercial vehicles.
Mario Illien, designer of the new Mercedes-Benz Indy engine, said, "The
engine ran for the first time in late January, so of course, there are
risks associated with the short time frame for development In addition,
it is most important to have a car and transmission designed to utilize
the pushrod/two-valve engine. We are working closely with Marlboro Team
Penske on a track testing program to develop durability. These elements
of risk are essential to the development of a news engine, especially for
the world's most important race."
The new 94 Marlboro Penske Indy car powered by Mercedes-Benz was designed
by Nigel Bennett and constructed by Penske Cars, Ltd., Pool, England. The
development testing program and race preparation is being managed at the
team's headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Mercedes-Benz participation in Formula 1, with the Sauber Team, and Indy
Car racing is another example of its leadership in the international
automobile market, where it will be competing with many of the most
important manufacturers from Europe, Asia, and America. A successful
racing heritage of the great Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows will be revived
and be promoted with a worldwide market offensive with both present and
prospective Mercedes-Benz customers.
TECHNICAL DATA (Mercedes-Benz Engine for 94 Indianapolis 500)
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MODEL: Mercedes-Benz V8 - 72 degree
DISPLACEMENT: 3.43 liters (209.3 cu. in.)
VALVE TRAIN: Single Cam Pushrod; 2 valves per cylinder
TURBOCHARGER: 12.3 PSI (55 inches boost), wastegate
controlled boost
FUEL: Methanol
WEIGHT: 124 kilos (273.37 lbs)
LENGTH: 561 mm (22.09")
WIDTH: 509.5 mm (20.06")
HEIGHT: 653.5 mm (25.73")
