Motorsport specialist Zytek Engineering has received its largest ever single order for racing engines with the announcement that it is to manufacture a new bespoke V8 engine, which will power all the cars in the new A1 Grand Prix series.
The deal to supply the 520bhp engines was signed at the beginning of the month between Zytek and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Al Maktoum, President and CEO of A1 Grand Prix.
The ZA1348 will be a new engine specifically designed and manufactured for use in the series. In developing the engine, Zytek has combined the application of state-of-the-art analysis tools with practical experience gained over many years of race engine design and development. Since 1996, Zytek engines have run for over 1.5million miles in the Formula 3000 one-make race series.
"We took several factors into consideration when making the final decision on the specification of the engine. It made sense to use a V8 at reduced power levels to obtain the required 520bhp as opposed to taking a V6 to its limits and compromising reliability. In Zytek we have proven reliability, service history and the ability to customize the power plant to our exact specifications" says Stephen Watson, General Manager of A1 Grand Prix.
Tenders were invited from six engine manufacturers and, after several meetings and analysing all the data, it was clear that Zytek Engineering was best placed to manufacture the new 3.4 litre A1 Grand Prix engine. The power plant will be a modern 90 degree all aluminium V8, which will assist with the overall weight distribution and centre of gravity of the A1 GP cars.
When Sheikh Maktoum announced the deal in Dubai he said: "Since our launch at the end of March we have had an amazing worldwide response from groups and individuals wanting to be involved in the series. I listened to what was said and the logical choice for us was a bespoke 3.4 litre, 90 degree V8. We asked six companies to tender for the V8 contract. A partnership with Zytek's one-stop-shop made both operational and business sense."
Zytek has an enviable reputation for supplying engines and technical expertise to many different race series. The company has been the sole supplier of engines to the FIA F3000 International Championship since 1996, but has been involved with competitors in the series since 1989.Following the conclusion of the new deal John Manchester, Operations Director Zytek Engineering, said: "Zytek is extremely privileged to have been appointed as the manufacturer of A1 Grand Prix's racing engine. The World Cup of Motorsport will be very prestigious, involving participants representing up to 80 percent of the world's population and to be supplying engines and electronics on such a global scale is a fantastic opportunity. We see this as a perfect partnership and with 10 years experience of supplying engines and electronics to single make racing formulae we can help create what will be a world class racing series".
A1 Grand Prix engine specificationEngine Type ZA1348Configuration 90 degree V8Displacement 3400ccWidth 618mmHeight 542mmLength 443mmWeight 121kg Cylinder Block Sand Cast Aluminium AlloyCylinder Head Sand Cast Aluminium AlloyValve Train 4 Overhead Camshafts 2 per bank4 Valves per CylinderEngine Management Zytek EMS 4.6.1 Ignition Zytek DCDI with coil over plugSpark Plugs NGKFuel 100 Octane RacingMax Torque 330lbs ft - 442NmMax Power 520 bhp - 390kW
About A1 Grand PrixA1 Grand Prix is a brand new international FIA-Sanctioned racing series. The Brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of the Ruling Family of Dubai, the series will be run in warm countries during motor racing's traditional 'off' season. It will begin in September 2005.
A1 Grand Prix is built around a sound business model, which ensures profitability for all teams involved. This championship will pit drivers, racing for the pride of their country, in one make of high performance A1 Grand Prix car powered by a 520bhp bespoke 3.4ltr 90 degree V8 engine.Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, China, South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and Australia have already been selected to host the first A1 Grand Prix season, with two further possible flyaway events.
About ZytekZytek was formed in 1982 to design, develop and manufacture electronic products for motorsport applications.Today, the Zytek Group comprises five highly-focused divisions which together are able to provide a true single-source for both individual motor racing teams and for one-make racing series.
