| Isuzu P799WE | |
| Manufacturer: | Isuzu |
| Production: | 1989–1991 |
| Configuration: | 75° V12 |
| Displacement: | 3.5L |
| Bore: | 85mm |
| Stroke: | 51.3mm |
| Valvetrain: | 48-valve, DOHC, four-valves per cylinder |
| Power: | NaNhp |
| Torque: | NaNlbft |
| Lubrication: | Dry sump |
| Weight: | 158kg (348lb) |
| Fuelsystem: | Port fuel injection |
| Fueltype: | Gasoline |
| Oilsystem: | Dry sump |
| Compression: | 13.0:1 |
| Length: | 690mm |
| Width: | 580mm |
| Height: | 495mm |
Isuzu made an experimental 75-degree, four-stroke, naturally-aspirated, V-12 racing engine, dubbed the P799WE, designed for Formula one racing; between 1989 and 1991. The experimental unit was used in the Lotus 102B and Lotus 102C.[1] [2] [3] [4]
The 102B enabled the team to equal their 1990 points total of three points. With increased sponsorship and the delay of the 107 it was to continue racing for the first four races of the 1992 season in D specification. The C specification incorporated an Isuzu P799WE (Japanese edition) V12 engine that had been developed throughout the season but never raced. The new engine produced impressive power, with rumours of around 750bhp reported. In the engine's one and only track test, the car was six seconds off the pace however.[5] Ultimately, Peter Collins, team principal of Team Lotus, decided against a deal to use the unproven engine and Isuzu decided against entering Formula One anyway.[6]