"We started with the rule book, a challenging spirit and an open mind," said Salters. "Then our engineers got to work, utilizing all of the vehicle performance, powertrain simulation and development tools we have at HPD to address the critical areas for performance, including weight, power, packaging, center of gravity, etc."   VIDEO

Here is a timeline of the development process for the Acura ARX-06:     The HPD Vehicle Performance Group used simulation tools to determine the overall vehicle envelope and key requirements that would need to be met to maximize performance.  Efficiency, power, weight distribution, aero balance, center of gravity, tire energy, hybrid management and chassis stiffness were some of the parameters included in determining the core architecture guidelines.     This process determined the key architecture for the Internal Combustion Engine [ICE], displacement, fuel injection and turbocharging strategy, and the intercooler layout.     The Design Group then schemed different concepts and weight aspects over a three-week evaluation period.     The Acura ARX-06 concept was then finalized in a single meeting of HPD technical leaders, who then signed off on the project.     Prototype parts were designed and produced for testing in HPD's in-house single cylinder research engine. These parts were manufactured within 4 weeks.     The HPD Development Group tested these concepts, analyzing performance, efficiency, combustion characteristics, heat rejection etc.  Results were analyzed and compared to the initial simulations – the simulation results were spot-on and validated.     Simulation work also was carried out for a novel intercooler packaging and anti-tune induction concept to reach the performance targets while allowing the downsized engine to meet the 500Kw rules target without damaging combustion "events".     Next, parts were designed and built for the V6 internal combustion engine, including machined from billet sump, block, front cover and ancillary parts made using in-house agile manufacturing techniques.  Five months after the initial simulation and concept study, the Acura V6 ICE ran on the dyno and met all performance targets.     The complete control system – written jointly by HPD's Electrical Control Systems group, Vehicle Performance and Performance Application groups – was prototyped in HPD's Hardware-In-the-Loop and Driver-In-the-Loop simulator systems.     The control system was then taken to the state-of-the art transient dyno facility at HPD where engineers tested the complete hybrid powertrain – ICE-Hybrid MGU-Gearbox. This system simulates key aspects of the cars during track running and the durability cycle, including running complete "laps" of a circuit, including 12- and 24-hour endurance runs with shifting, acceleration and braking all reproduced on the dyno.     The Aerodynamic Group at HPD made use of its in-house CFD capability during the design phase to optimize aerodynamic and cooling performance.  The group worked closely with ORECA on the overall aerodynamic concept of the ARX-06.  This has been recently validated in a full-scale wind tunnel test.  HPD aerodynamists, using advanced simulation techniques, are working with IMSA to ensure the safety of the racing car, and that it satisfies stringent flip-over criteria for high speed prototype sportscars. Acura ARX-06 Details     Will compete in the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship     Carbon fiber monocoque chassis manufactured by ORECA     Acura-specific bodywork, aerodynamics and cooling systems     Double wishbone, pushrod suspension front and rear, Penske dampers     FIA-specified roll cage structure, carbon fiber driver's seat shell, six-point safety harness, fresh air intake system, on-board fire suppression system     Bespoke Acura 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct injected V6 internal combustion engine designed, developed and manufactured by HPD, mated to IMSA-specified electric Bosch Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Williams Advanced Engineering battery pack     IMSA-specified XTrac six-speed, sequential, paddle-operated transmission, rear-wheel drive     Chassis dimensions:  5100mm length x 2000mm width x 1060mm height (above reference plane); 3148mm wheelbase Acura also photos