Delphi power Peugeot RCZ to win at 24-hour endurance race
Delphi Corp.’s virtually standard diesel fuel injection system and powertrain cooling technology as used in many popular road cars helped power two Peugeot RCZs to an impressive first and third in-class standing at the gruelling ADAC 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring (May 15?16). Competing against 197 vehicles, including many highly modified for racing, the RCZ 2.0 liter HDi diesel coupés delivered extraordinary speed and endurance in the hands of ‘gentleman drivers’ from France and Germany. To demonstrate the reserves of performance and durability inherent in the regular production vehicles, Peugeot raced cars that were largely unmodified from the road-going versions that have just been launched to celebrate the company’s 200th anniversary.
The two RCZs ran in the D1T category for diesel cars between 1.7 liters and 2.0 liters. The key change to the standard engine is an increase in turbo boost pressure, lifting the torque from 340Nm to 400Nm and the power from 120kW to 150kW. Even with this extra boost, Peugeot used production Delphi charge air coolers and radiators supplied to the road cars as they met the performance targets required for endurance racing.
“This event has been called the ultimate durability test,” said John Fuerst, Delphi’s general manager, diesel engine management systems. “Delphi successfully faced this test with production products on the RCZs that needed little or no modifications to perform in this grueling race. We are delighted to have been selected as a technical partner for Peugeot and to have helped them achieve such an impressive result in the company’s 200th anniversary year.”
Delphi’s production 2000 bar common rail system with Multec balanced-valve fast servo-solenoid injectors met the modified engines’ demands with minimal revisions. Extensive trials established that the only significant upgrade required was to change the nozzle definition, optimizing the spray pattern to suit the increased swirl created by the higher boost levels. The new configuration also increased maximum fuel flow, contributing to the increase in power and torque. The standard fuel pump was retained without modification.
“For a race car to use a production ECU is a particularly rare event but Delphi achieved this as well,” said Fuerst. “Our technical specialists modified the software of the standard ECU to allow Peugeot to re-calibrate the engine mapping to suit the demands of endurance racing with the re-tuned engine. To meet the challenges of such a gruelling race with systems that were originally designed for road car applications is very satisfying for us and is a clear indication of the quality of Delphi technology and manufacturing. I’d like to congratulate Peugeot on their success in this demanding event.”
Delphi is one of the largest suppliers of advanced diesel technologies for all sizes of vehicle and has achieved several ‘firsts’ including twin valve Electronic Unit Injectors for heavy duty applications and, more recently, direct acting piezo injectors for light duty applications. Additionally, Delphi delivers enhanced energy efficiency and world-class comfort through fully integrated heating and cooling systems, modules and components for automotive, residential and commercial HVAC markets.
