Zytek

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Zytek is a British engineering company in automotive control systems, powertrain management and hybrid-electric vehicles. It also has success in motorsport, having supplied engines worldwide for Formula 3000 and was the first company to develop a hybrid-electric entry for Le Mans.

[edit] History

1982: Zytek Systems is founded to develop and manufacture electronic technologies for motor racing. They innovate with the first digital engine management system for Formula One. Zytek Engineering has provided championship winning BMW four cylinder engines to the BTCC series and six cylinder M5 engines to BMW of North America, winning the IMSA Supercar Championship in 1994 and 1995.

1995: The FIA asked Zytek to supply and support all the engines used by Formula 3000 competitors worldwide. The Judd-supplied engines reliability has greatly reduced the cost of competing in this series. This contract was held by Zytek from 1995-2004, when the series ended. In road cars, Zytek brings its engine management expertise for the Jaguar XJ220, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Zytek introduced 32 bit technologies to road cars and integrated additional features, such as traction control.

1994: Zytek co-founder Bill Gibson began development of a high power-density electric vehicle drivetrain

1998: First show of the Electric Lotus Elise, followed by an electric MCC Smart. A diesel hybrid version for the 2001 Frankfurt Autoshow has been developed for DaimlerChrysler

2000: MZ Technologies partnership with Motorola

2001: General Motors hybrid-electric vehicle programme

2002: Chassis development business purchased from Reynard

2004: A1 Grand Prix contract to design and manufacture 58 engines and electrically operated gearshift systems for this one make race series. This new series combines the talents of up and coming drivers with those of yesteryear in an olympic type competition of nation vs nation, a World Cup of Motorsport.

2005: Le Mans Endurance Series runners up with Zytek 04S sportscar, including Zytek's own chassis (based on the Reynard design), engine and electronics. Won American Le Mans Series four-hour race at Laguna Seca.

2006: Zytek race at Le Mans 24 hours and LMS in Europe with Zytek 06S sportscar.

Today Zytek are able to supply a complete package including chassis, electronics, wiring and engine to any motorsport formulae. The Group comprises Zytek Systems, Zytek Engineering, Zytek Electric Vehicles and MZ Technologies.