Zytek

Zytek Group Ltd is a British automotive engineering company founded in 1981 in Fradley, United Kingdom. Initially designing engine management systems for production and racing applications, the company has expanded into the development of racing engines, hybrid electric engine systems, chassis construction, and integrated circuits for automotive use. The Zytek Group is currently divided into four divisions, with Zytek Engineering further divided into Engine Technology and Vehicle Technology sections.

History

Zytek Systems

A year after the founding of Zytek in 1981, Zytek Systems would be created with the intent of developing electronic engine management systems for Formula One teams. Zytek became involved with Brian Hart Ltd., who supplied engines to the Toleman team at the time. Zytek would develop the first completely electronic management system in use in Formula One. From the expertise gained by this experience, Zytek would expand to using their systems in touring car and sports car racing, with manufacturers including Jaguar, BMW and Rover.

In 1992, Zytek's technology would be used on production road cars for the first time, with Jaguar using electronic engine management systems on their XJ220 supercar. In the next few years, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley would use Zytek systems on their top models. In 2006, Zytek would be contracted by Honda Performance Development to provide engine management systems for the Acura AL7R Le Mans Prototype engine.

Zytek Electric Vehicles

Created in 1994 following the company's success in electrical technology, Zytek Electric Vehicles began work on the development of electronic drivetrains for use in production cars. It would not be until 1998 that Zytek was able to unveil the first product from this division. In association with Lotus Cars, Zytek would install an electric drivetrain in a small Elise sports car. The system would consist of 25 nickel-cadmium batteries which were able to produce 200 hp. Lotus sold these electric Elises until 2003. Following the success of the Elise, Zytek built a similar system for MCC Smart (Smart GmbH).

The company's first hybrid electric motor would be developed for motorsport use, when Panoz worked together with Zytek to introduce a system on the Esperante GTR-1. The design was created to attempt to increase fuel economy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although the car did not qualify due to the weight of the batteries, Zytek was commissioned by DaimlerChrysler to develop a hybrid diesel system for production versions of the Smart in 2001. General Motors would also commission the company to built hybrid electric systems, which were eventually used on the Chevrolet Silverado.

Zytek also supply the Electric Powertrain for Modec electric delivery trucks.

Smart vehicles

Zytek is continuing to work with Smart, and is currently developing the all-electric Smart EV A Smart Forfour has been converted into a plug-in hybrid by Lithium Technology Corporation and Zytek Systems. The lithium-ion battery can propel the vehicle up to mph|84 and last on its own for up to mile|20. The engine is a combination of a 68 horsepower, 1.5 liter, 3-cylinder turbo charged diesel engine and two high-efficiency permanent-magnet electric motors. It was awarded by the Energy Saving Trust for the “Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge” project [http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/a-plug-in-hybrid-that-can-go-84/] .

Zytek Engineering

In 1987, Zytek bought the British Alan Smith Racing outfit in order to expand their motorsports involvement. The team initially supported the Jordan Grand Prix team in Formula 3000 before the team eventually chose to concentrate on engine development. Zytek would return to running a motorsports team in 2004 when the company entered the Le Mans Endurance Series with their first sports car, the Zytek 04S, which was able to finish second in the team championship in 2005 due to two overall victories. Zytek Engineering continues to campaign in the Le Mans Series as well as in the American Le Mans Series and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Engine Technology Division

Expanding from their development of electronic management systems, Zytek created an engine development division in the early 1990s. From experienced gained in running a Formula 3000 team, Zytek was chosen by Judd to further develop and maintain the KV V8s they had initially built for use in the series. This program would eventually lead to Zytek being chosen as the sole engine supplier for the series from 1996 until 2004, although the engines would continue to be used in later Formula 3000-based series. Zytek would built 90 units of the KVF3000 V8.

In late 2000, Panoz Motor Sports and Élan Motorsport Technologies would work together on the development of the new V8 motor for the Panoz LMP07 Le Mans Prototype. Although this project did not last long due to difficulties with the LMP07, Zytek would continue developing a V8 prototype engine of their own for the DBA4 03S prototype. This engine would later form the basis for the eventual Zytek 04S prototype. The engine, based on the Formula 3000 units, would be developed into 4.0 litre and 3.4 litre variants. Although these engines were used exclusively in the 04S, some engines were also sold to customers. Both engines are currently still build by Zytek.

A further development of these engines was announced in 2005, when Zytek was once again chosen as the sole engine supplier for a new series, A1 Grand Prix. Although larger then the initial F3000 engines, the A1GP engines are based on the same architecture. A boost option was also included, allowing for 50 extra horsepower for a small duration of time. In 2008 Ferrari will replace Zytek as the sole engine supplier in A1GP.

Vehicle Technology Division

In 2002, Zytek bought some of the remains of the defunct Reynard Motorsport from International Racing Management (IRM). These assets included the rights to the Reynard 02S Le Mans Prototype, of which only one had been completed since the company's demise. Zytek already supplied an engine to the existing chassis, and would therefore built further copies under the name Zytek 04S, offering both the chassis and engine as a complete package.

Due to changes in the prototype regulations in 2006, Zytek would upgrade one of their existing 04S chassis while building a third all-new car, now named the 06S. Further regulation changes in 2007 would require the team to built an entirely new car, the [http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/sportscar/258088/zytek-07s.html Zytek-07s] , which is currently campaigned in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes of the Le Mans Series.

MZ Technologies

In 2001, Motorola acquired portions of Zytek and formed Motorola Zytek Technologies (MZ Technologies). The company builds integrated circuits for automotive purposes. Although a division of Zytek, the company is run by separate management and housed in a separate location.

External links

* [http://www.zytekgroup.co.uk/ Zytek Group Limited]