Cosworth to Supply Tech to 85% of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Grid

Cosworth is returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a powertrain supplier for the first time since 2015, when it powered the Nissan GT-R LM Nismo. Cosworth’s presence at Le Mans continues across 85% of the grid, with Cosworth-developed steering wheels, power boxes, loggers, displays and more.

A leading entry, competing in the Hypercar class, is powered by a race-optimized version of the Cosworth-developed 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine. Originally developed in partnership with a premium automotive manufacturer for their flagship hypercar road car, it has been enhanced to incorporate the Balance of Performance requirements of the Hypercar class while maintaining its exceptional power delivery and distinctive high-performance soundtrack.

Beyond the powertrain, the company is providing a world-class electronics package featuring the latest generation ECU, the Antares 8, the Centaurus 5 power distribution system and the CCW Mk3 steering wheel. This comprehensive technical partnership showcases Cosworth’s holistic approach to high-performance engineering, delivering both benchmark-setting powertrain technology and sophisticated control systems.

Bruce Wood, Managing Director of Powertrain at Cosworth, commented: “This is a momentous year for Cosworth, as we return to the pinnacle of sports car racing as an engine supplier, supporting a leading manufacturer in its quest for Le Mans glory. This year marks the culmination of a decade of collaboration, and we cannot wait to see and hear the roar of our V12 engine at race tracks across the world.”

Cosworth’s return to Le Mans builds upon a storied history at the world’s most prestigious endurance race. The company’s legendary DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, one of the most successful power units in motorsport history, claimed victory at Le Mans twice in its original 3.0-litre form — powering the Mirage team to victory in 1975 and the Rondeau team in 1980.

These triumphs were part of Cosworth’s wider dominance in motorsport, with the DFV engine securing 155 Formula 1 Grand Prix victories between 1967 and 1983, including all Formula 1 World Championships from 1968 to 1974. In 1969, Cosworth received the Royal Automobile Club’s prestigious Dewar Trophy for the DFV’s revolutionary design — an honour the company was awarded again in 2024 for its pioneering work in high-performance naturally-aspirated internal combustion engines.

COSWORTH ACROSS THE GRID

While Cosworth’s last entry as a powertrain supplier at Le Mans was in 2015, the company has maintained a significant presence at the legendary endurance race through its state-of-the-art electronics. At the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, an impressive 85% of the grid utilized Cosworth’s electronics products — known as the ‘eco system’ — across all classes.

A glance at the company’s current racing involvement shows:

• In the LMDh class, Cosworth supplies multiple components to teams including Cadillac, Toyota, Porsche, Apline and Peugeot
• In the LMP2 category, all 16 teams use Cosworth’s Spec LMP2 Kit
• In the LMGT3 class, Cosworth provides critical components including Power Boxes, ECUs, Loggers, and Displays to leading automotive manufacturers’ racing entries

HISTORY OF MOTORSPORT SUCCESS

Founded in London in 1958 by Mike Costin and Keith Duckworth, Cosworth quickly established itself as the premier engineering firm in motorsport. The company’s name, a portmanteau of its founders’ surnames, has become synonymous with racing excellence and cutting-edge innovation.

Cosworth engines have achieved success in:

• IndyCar racing, where the DFX turbocharged version of the DFV dominated for years, winning ten consecutive Indianapolis 500 races
• CART/Champ Car competition, where Cosworth became the standard for excellence
• Sports car racing across multiple categories and decades

Dr. Florian Kamelger, Cosworth CEO, commented: “Cosworth’s return to Le Mans as a power unit supplier marks a significant milestone in our company’s history. This partnership brings together engineering excellence with a shared passion for performance, precision, and innovation. This hypercar project represents everything Cosworth stands for — engineering excellence, cutting-edge technology, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

“What sets Cosworth apart is our emphasis on strategic and process-driven engineering approach. More than just an engine developer, we have integrated methodologies that ensure excellence in both the final product and the way it is conceived, designed, and brought to life.”