Isuzu V12 F1 engine

Isuzu P799WE
Overview
Manufacturer	Isuzu
Production	1989–1991
Layout
Configuration	75° V12
Displacement	3.5  L (214  cu in)
Cylinder bore	85  mm (3  in)
Piston stroke	51.3  mm (2  in)
Valvetrain	48-valve, DOHC, four-valves per cylinder
Compression ratio	13.0:1
Combustion
Fuel system	Port fuel injection
Fuel type	Gasoline
Oil system	Dry sump
Output
Power output	640–765  hp (477–570  kW)
Torque output	296–308  lb⋅ft (401–418  N⋅m)
Dimensions
Length	690  mm (27.2  in)
Width	580  mm (22.8  in)
Height	495  mm (19.5  in)
Dry weight	158  kg (348  lb)

Isuzu made an experimental 75-degree, four-stroke, naturally-aspirated, V-12 racing engine, dubbed the P799WE, designed for Formula One racing; between 1989 and 1991. The experimental unit was used in the Lotus 102B and Lotus 102C. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Background

The 102B enabled the team to equal their 1990 points total of three points. With increased sponsorship and the delay of the 107 it was to continue racing for the first four races of the 1992 season in D specification. The C specification incorporated an Isuzu P799WE (Japanese edition) V12 engine that had been developed throughout the season but never raced. The new engine produced impressive power, with rumours of around 750bhp reported. In the engine's one and only track test, the car was six seconds off the pace however. ^[5] Ultimately, Peter Collins, team principal of Team Lotus, decided against a deal to use the unproven engine and Isuzu decided against entering Formula One anyway. ^[6]

Specifications

• Overall length: 690mm
• Overall width: 580mm
• Overall height: 495mm
• Number of cylinders: V-type 12 cylinders
• Cylinder bank angle (°): 75°
• Displacement: 3,493cc
• Maximum horsepower: 646 hp @ 12,000rpm (early), 765 hp @ 13,500rpm (late)
• Maximum torque: 41.0 kg·m (296.5 lb-ft) @ 10,000 rpm (initial), 42.5 kg·m (308 lb-ft) @ 11,500 rpm (late)
• Piston: bore 85mm
• Stroke: 51.3mm
• Compression ratio: 13.0: 1
• Weight: 158 kg (348 lbs.)

Applications

• Lotus 102B
• Lotus 102C

References

1. "That Time Isuzu Made A Formula One Engine And Put It In A Pickup". carthrottle.com. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
2. "Isuzu's Secret History: F1 Engines, Supercar Concepts, and More". motortrend.com. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
3. "Sidelined Samurai - 1991 Lotus 102C Isuzu". drivetribe.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
4. "Isuzu's V12 monster". drivetribe.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
5. 幻のF1エンジンISUZU P799WE - Autosports Web（2014年12月24日公開/2017年8月12閲覧）
6. "Sidelined Samurai - 1991 Lotus 102C Isuzu". Carmrades. Archived from the original on 14 December 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2019.