| Ilmor 265-D (1994)[1] Mercedes-Benz IC108 (1995-2000) | |
| Manufacturer: | Ilmor-Mercedes |
| Production: | 1994-2000 |
| Configuration: | 72°-82°[2] V-8 |
| Block: | Aluminum |
| Head: | Aluminum |
| Displacement: | 2.65L |
| Bore: | 91mm |
| Stroke: | 50.9mm |
| Valvetrain: | 16-valve to 32-valve, OHV/DOHC,[3] two-valves per cylinder to four-valves per cylinder |
| Power: | NaNhp |
| Torque: | NaNlb.ft |
| Turbocharger: | Garrett single-turbo |
| Fuelsystem: | Electronic fuel injection |
| Fueltype: | Methanol |
| Compression: | 12.4:1 |
| Oilsystem: | Dry sump |
| Coolingsystem: | Liquid cooling |
| Weight: | NaNkg (-2,147,483,648lb)[4] |
| Predecessor: | Mercedes-Benz 500I engine |
The Mercedes-Benz Indy V8 engine, known as the Ilmor 265-D (1994),[5] and later the Mercedes-Benz IC108 (1995-2000), is a powerful, turbocharged, 2.65-liter, Indy car racing V-8 engine, specially designed, developed, and built by Ilmor, in partnership and collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, to compete in the CART series; between 1994 and 2000.
The 265-D engine was introduced for the 1994 season, which replaced the 265-C, although some of the smaller teams still ran the "C" throughout 1994. Without badging support, the engines were referred to simply as the "Ilmor-C" and the "Ilmor-D". This engine was said to produce about more than the Ford-Cosworth XB used at the time.[6]
In 1995, Mercedes-Benz became the badging manufacturer for the Ilmor Indy car engines. The engine continued to be a strong contender on the CART circuit. In 1996, the open-wheel "split" began between CART and the IRL. Ilmor primarily was a provider for CART-based teams, and did not provide engines for any full-time IRL teams. At the 1996 Indy 500, the Ilmor Mercedes-Benz D was used by Galles Racing, and finished second, the powerplant's one and only start in an IRL-sanctioned race. When the IRL switched to normally-aspirated engines for 1997, the 265s were no longer permitted in the IRL and the Indy 500, and from that point on raced in the CART series exclusively.