Ford will release its new 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost racing engine in the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship at the 24 Hours of Daytona (January 25-26). The engine is fitted on the 2014 Riley Technologies Daytona Prototype car, which features a new look with Ford styling cues and aerodynamic support from the manufacturer.
“We’re proud to bring a direct-injected, twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine to the United SportsCar Championship in a field of competitive V8-powered entries. We want to show Ford EcoBoost’s capabilities as an engine that provides both performance and fuel economy, on and off the track,” said Jamie Allison, Ford Racing director. However, Ford didn’t reveal power and torque outputs for the new engine.
The first team to use the engine is Michael Shank Racing with a new-look Daytona Prototype car, created with Ford corporate design influence. The car’s body features Ford production vehicle design cues created by lead Ford production designer Garen Nicoghosian, while aerodynamic support was offered by Ford Racing chief aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus.
While the new engine’s racing debut will take place next year at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the prototype will actually hit the Daytona track for the first time on October 9, when Colin Braun will attempt a record run speed test. In a joint effort between Michael Shank Racing, Ford Racing and Continental Tire, the team will aim to beat the 210.364 mph (338.548 km/h) lap set in 1987 by NASCAR champion Bill Elliott with a Ford Thunderbird.
By Dan Mihalascu
