Nissan has developed a 400hp 3-cylinder engine which will be used at Le Mans this year, writes Brian Byrne.The 1.5 litre powerplant will be used in the XEOD RC racecar which will also be the first entry at Le Mans to complete a lap of the circuit using only electric power.
The 10hp/kilogramme power to weight ratio of the diminutive engine — it will fit inside the carry-on check-in basket of most airlines — is better than the new Formula 1 engines to be used this year.
The engine has been developed in association with Total Lubricants to cut down on all possible areas of friction inside it and its components.
