ByKolles switches to Nissan power for 2017

The Austrian-entered, German-based team has changed from the AER P60 2.4-litre V6 engine it has used over the last two seasons in LMP1. ByKolles’ relationship with the British-based engine specialist dated back to 2014 when it was entered as Lotus in LMP2.

New power for the ByKolles team will come from the NISMO VRX 30A Evo 3-litre V6 engine which was used by the ill-fated Nissan GT-R LM NISMO LMP1 cars at Le Mans in 2015.

ByKolles is currently modifying the existing CLM P1/01 car to accommodate the new engine. The new direction for ByKolles will also see further aerodynamic upgrades to the car for the new season, where the car is expected to be the only entry in the LMP1 privateer class.

“The engine supply from NISMO is of great significance to our team,” said ByKolles Head of Operations Boris Bermes. “After having to deal with many setbacks in the past due to engine reliability issues, for the 2017 season, we’re expecting a significant improvement in terms of both reliability as well as performance.

“We’re relentlessly working on numerous additional improvements to our car. As a result of the changes in regulations for 2017, we will be able to make big improvements to both the front and the rear, particularly in aerodynamics.

“In addition to that, our design engineers have achieved a reduction in weight, and have introduced comprehensive updates to mechanical components. We’re already looking forward to the first tests with our fully-revamped CLM P1/01.”

Bermes also confirmed that the CLM P1/01 with the Nissan engine will be available for potential fellow privateer teams in 2018, saying: “For the 2018 season, the car will be made available to customers and can be ordered as of now.”