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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.
Peugeot RCZ Forum |
