Mecachrome turns to hybrid and aims for an application in motorsport

Si Toyota remains the only team to retain a hybrid powertrain in LM P1 in WEC for the 2018-2019 Super-Season, the Japanese brand could see Mechachrome getting involved with a hybrid technology in the future.

The French engine manufacturer, involved in F2 or in WEC (the engine is used by the Ginetta G60-LT-P1 – CEFC TRSM Racing), has developed a hybrid powertrain for the Enata Marine brand Foiler yacht.

Two diesel-electric motors power the yacht with an output of over 320 hp. Mecachrome aims to see this technology exploited in motorsport, particularly with a view to the next LMP1 2020/2021 regulations, whether for manufacturers or private teams.

“Hybrid technology has gradually become an important part of the automotive industry in recent years, and it is very important that motorsport continues to evolve in this direction, underlines Bruno Engelric, director of Mecachrome Motorsport.

Our project with ENATA offers a lot of transferable ideas and concepts that have potential in motorsport. We are therefore looking for every chance to work on such a project.

Taking the LM P1 as an example, Mecachrome's expertise with hybrid systems (motor, electronic control, battery, electric motor) would allow us to work with manufacturers, who might not have the means to produce their own hybrid powertrains, but would be open to a potential partnership for its implementation.

Our other goal with hybrid technology is to make it accessible to private teams. Currently, there is no option for teams with smaller budgets in the hybrid market, and Mecachrome wants to work on producing a package that is affordable and also offers valuable performance benefits. »