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Acura Launches ARX-02a At Sebring

Sebring, FL – The American LeMans Series kicked off the 2009 seasons with its annual winter test at the historic Sebring International Raceway road course. Three days of tests have been scheduled and more than a dozen teams are on hand, including the new Acura LMP1 prototype sports car.

Acura entered the ALMS LMP2 class two years ago and in 23 races, the cars have chalked up seven class wins and two overall wins. For the new season, Acura is moving up to the LMP1 class, the top rung of the famed series. The Acura ARX-02a was unveiled to the media and members of the sports car fraternity in a special function at Sebring.

De Ferran Motorsports and Patro?n Highcroft Racing will race the new Acura while the Lowe’s Fernandez Racing team will continue to campaign a LMP2 car. Indianapolis 500 winner de Ferran will co-drive his car with Simon Pagenaud, and another Indianapolis winner, Scott Dixon, will join them for the upcoming 57th 12 Hours of Sebring.

David Brabham and Scott Sharp will drive the Patro?n Highcroft Acura on a regular basis with Indianapolis champion Dario Franchitti being added for the Sebring race.

According to Acura officials, the car will be powered by a normally-aspirated, fuel-injected 4.0-liter V-8 engine running unleaded E10 gasoline. The engine develops more than 600 horsepower. A diesel-powered engine was considered, but since Acura doesn’t sell cars with diesel engines, the idea was dropped.

Honda Performance Development president Erik Berkman said it took two years of design before the initial product was produced, and it was a labor of love. Except for the headlights and the lug nuts, every part of the car is new. “We understand the requirements of moving to the LMP1 class, and our goal is to win the P1 and P2 championship and both classes at Sebring,” he said.

“The craftsmanship of the new Acura is outstanding,” de Ferran said. “I love machines and racing cars, and I love the creative process to put things together.” Added Brabham, “I see a lot of potential with the new Acura prototype.”

Franchitti was visibly impressed with the car and as a car buff gave, he gave it a close-up inspection during the launch party. “These are the most advanced cars short of F1, which are the most advanced cars in the world. The new car is similar to what the IndyCars and Champ Cars used to be like.” Due to his IndyCar Series commitments, Franchitti will only race at Sebring and possibly the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.

The cars were tested prior to the winter test and extensive development work will occur during the test.

With Pagenaud behind the wheel, the de Ferran Acura topped the speed charts Monday with a speed of 126.793 miles per hour.

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