Gibson partners with NISMO, Bosch, Xtrac on next-gen LMP2 V6 turbo powertrain
Gibson Technology has announced that it is partnering up with NISMO, Bosch and Xtrac for the next-generation LMP2 powertrain, which is set to debut in 2028 and will remain in competition through the 2032 season.
The UK-based company, which was awarded the next-gen supplier contract back in June, will design and develop the new unit in collaboration with Nissan/NISMO's motorsport arm. The new LMP2 cars will be powered by a bespoke 3.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6, featuring direct fuel injection.
The partnership brings NISMO back to LMP2 competition for the first time since 2016 and brings it back to the LMP fold after Toyota took over as the base engine supplier for the new-for-2025 LMP3 cars.
Gibson’s relationship with NISMO is aimed at combining modern automotive efficiency with the demands of top-level endurance racing. The company intends to provide a highly reliable internal combustion engine that offers cost-effective and sustainable performance, along with assured security of supply for teams.
The shift to a turbocharged V6 platform signals the beginning of a new era for Gibson. It produced a naturally aspirated V8 platform for LMP2 since becoming the spec engine supplier back in 2017 with its 4.2-liter GK428 and before that as the engine builder for the Nissan VK45DE back to 2011 and its own branded V8s back to the start of the class in 2004.
Bosch Motorsport has also been brought on board to provide the electronic architecture for the powertrain. The German firm will supply the ECU, powerbox, wiring harness and a new steering wheel developed by MoTeC, a Bosch subsidiary.
Meanwhile, Xtrac (which currently supplies gearboxes for ORECA's 07) will handle the transmission side of the program, developing a new bespoke transverse gearbox complete with bellhousing and a gearshift system for the upcoming LMP2 platform.
The focus, according to Gibson, will be on ensuring both performance and long-term durability, ultimately helping reduce the total cost of ownership for customer teams.
“We are incredibly proud to be working alongside our technical partners for the development and delivery of the new LMP2 powertrain system," said Gibson Technology managing director Mark Brittan. "This exciting project promises to deliver fantastic performance for teams competing in the LMP2 series around the world from 2028 onwards, while ensuring costs are kept under control and supply is reliable.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our technical partners for their contributions and hard work so far. We look forward to working with them all as well as continuing our highly successful collaboration with the approved chassis constructors.”
Further technical details on the new powertrain, which is set to feature in LMP2 cars racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24 Hours, will be revealed in the coming months.
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