The flagship MG racing project is the Le Mans 24 hour sports car race. The car, with the name MG Lola EX257, has been designed and built by Lola Cars
International, with input from MG Rover design director Peter Stevens. It will be powered by an MG X Power 2 litre, four-cylinder turbo unit from racing
engine specialists Advanced Engine Research (AER).
Two EX257s have been entered into the LMP675 class (Le Mans Prototype with a minimum weight of 675kg), which Lola won in the 2000 event, also with
an engine prepared by AER.
Development of the EX257s has been taking place through April, ready for the pre-testing sessions at Le Mans on 6 May. Chamberlain Motorsport is
responsible for the MG Lola team management at Le Mans, and there is a strong line-up of British drivers - Mark Blundell, Julian Bailey, Anthony Reid,
Warren Hughes, Kevin McGarrity and Jonny Kane.
Frank Dernie, Chief Engineer, Lola Cars International, said "This is the most exciting project that Lola has done since I’ve been there. While the Champ
Cars are great fun and very competitive this is something completely new because I don’t think anyone has ever done a 675 car at this level".
Doug Bebb, Project Manager, Chamberlain Motorsport, commented "This is the first 675kg category car that has been specially designed to meet the
new regulations of Le Mans. It is a purpose built car with a brand new engine and a brand new way of manufacturing certain parts – everything is
state-of-the-art. Meeting the weight limit has been a key challenge".
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