Acura’s first purpose-built endurance race car
Winner of the LMP2 class on its debut at the 2007 Sebring 12 Hours
The 2007 Acura ARX-01a 'XM'
Unrestored and original, we invite expressions of interest for this machine.
I can't put it into words. I would rate it as one of the highest emotional experiences I've had. So much work went into this program. We won on multiple levels. I could not have imagined it would finish this way.
Redefining Race Engineering
Marking 20 years since its founding, at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show Acura announced its intent to compete in the 2007 American Le Mans Series in the LMP2 class.
The Andretti Green Racing “XM” car was originally based on a Courage LC75 chassis, however changes were so extensive that the car was homologated as the Acura ARX-01a – the first car and engine designed and developed by Honda Performance Development.
On its debut at the 2007 Sebring 12 Hours, the #26 car, driven by Bryan Herta, Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti, qualified 4th and went on to earn LMP2 class victory over the Fernandez Racing Acura.
As the trio of Acura entries finished first, second and fourth positions in the LMP2 class, the #26 AGR entry was fast enough to finish second overall in the LMP1 class, racing on the lead lap against the more powerful factory Audi LMP1 machine before gearbox woes slowed the Acura ARX-01a driven by Herta in the final hour.
The victory was special for the staff of Honda Performance Development, as the winning machine was designed and developed, in partnership with chassis specialist Wirth Research, at the HPD headquarters in Santa Clarita, California. It marked the first time an HPD-designed engine and car had competed in a U.S. racing event.
Indeed, the AL7R 3.4L NA 90° V8, producing 480bhp, was the first engine to be completely and solely designed by Honda Performance Development, Inc. in Valencia, California. The AL7R shared its architecture with the Honda Indy Race League V8, however none of the parts were interchangeable.
The Acura finish was one of the most impressive debuts ever seen in the 55-year history of the famed Sebring International Raceway.
"Everyone at AGR and Acura worked so hard to put this program together” said Bryan Herta after the race . “And in such a short time. I didn't know what to expect here at Sebring. It is such a tough race. I couldn't imagine coming out and winning right out of the box. It's a tremendous effort for Acura in its first American Le Mans Series race and its first Sebring race.”
"It's amazing just to think about where the Acura program was six months ago and what the guys at the AGR shop were looking at for this project” commented Dario Franchitti . “We were able to work from nearly scratch to make a car that was fast and reliable. The team - the engineers and mechanics - was flawless today. We had a great race car. So this is very special for all of us. You could not have asked for a better finish here at Sebring."
"This win is special in many ways” said Tony Kanaan . “I have been with the Honda and Acura family for many years and they have been with me for most of my success here in the United States. It is a dream to win a race with two of my best friends. And for Acura. They have been behind me for years and to win in their first sports car race is fantastic. I don't want to take anything away from the other races or championships I have won. But this victory is something I will never forget."
Engine Specifications
Name | AL7R |
Configuration | 3.4l N/A 90° V8 |
Fuel | MS100 Unleaded |
Rev limit | 10,500rpm |
Power (approx.) | 480bhp |
Seasons raced | 2007 |
Drivetrain | 6-speed sequential, rear-wheel-drive |
