PENSKE TO COMPETE WITH MERCEDES ENGINE IN 1994 INDIANAPOLIS 500

INDIANAPOLIS (APRIL 13, 1994) -- Roger Penske and Mercedes-Benz today announced that a newly designed Mercedes-Benz Indy 500 engine developed by Mercedes-Benz partner Ilmor Engineering will be used by Marlboro Team Penske in the 1994 Indianapolis 500.
The developmental engine has been designed to meet the United States Auto Club (USAC) National Championship Division regulation for the Indianapolis 500 under the category of the new pushrod-operated (in-block single camshaft), two-valves-per-cylinder design. Mercedes-Benz and Ilmor also have an all new engine currently under design for the 1995 PPG Indy Car World Series, including the Indianapolis 500.
Ilmor Engineering was founded by Mario Illien and Paul Morgan in 1983. It has a workforce of 150 employees with design and manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Brixworth, Northamptonshire, England. Ilmor-powered
entries have won five PPG Indy Car World Series Championships and 87 races (70%) out of 125 starts including six consecutive Indianapolis 500 victories.
Mercedes-Benz and Ilmor started their collaboration in November, 1993, with a comprehensive plan for the development, construction, and running of Formula 1 and Indy Car racing engine. Mercedes-Benz holds a 20 percent interest in Ilmor's U.S. affiliate. The acquisition of a similar interest in the United Kingdom engineering firm by Mercedes-Benz is nearly completed.
Roger Penske, who has fielded entire for 26 consecutive years sat the Indianapolis 500 with a record nine victories, said, "In looking at the USAC rules for the 1994 Indianapolis 500 with Mercedes-Benz, we thought the push rod/two-valve design would be a competitive power plant, considering the past success of the Buick pushrod engine. With this commitment from Merceds-Benz, we are addressing the challenge of developing this new engine
for the 1994 Indianapolis 500."
Helmut Werner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz AG, commented, "We think that together with Penske and Ilmor, we have an unique opportunity to go to Indianapolis in 1994 with three champion drivers:
Emerson Fittipaldi, Paul Tracy, and Al Unser, Jr. Indianapolis is the world's largest single day sporting event. The Indianapolis 500 presents a substantial challenge for a manufacturer to demonstrate technical excellence. But most importantly, Mercedes-Benz want to support its U.S. market offensive by its participation in this most important motor race."
Werner continued, "The direct pressure of competition is a great incentive for the technical transfer of knowledge from the race cars to create quality and total performance in our passenger cars. it is also a great motivator for
our employees who build the cars as well as the public, who buys our cars."
Through Detroit Diesel Corporation, Penske and Mercedes-Benz parent, Daimler-Benz AG, also collaborate on the development, production and distribution of diesel engines in the field of commercial vehicles.
Mario Illien, designer of the new Mercedes-Benz Indy engine, said, "The engine ran for the first time in late January, so of course, there are risks associated with the short time frame for development In addition, it is most important to have a car and transmission designed to utilize the pushrod/two-valve engine. We are working closely with Marlboro Team Penske on a track testing program to develop durability. These elements of risk are essential to the development of a news engine, especially for the world's most important race."
The new 94 Marlboro Penske Indy car powered by Mercedes-Benz was designed by Nigel Bennett and constructed by Penske Cars, Ltd., Pool, England. The development testing program and race preparation is being managed at the team's headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Mercedes-Benz participation in Formula 1, with the Sauber Team, and Indy Car racing is another example of its leadership in the international automobile market, where it will be competing with many of the most important manufacturers from Europe, Asia, and America. A successful racing heritage of the great Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows will be revived and be promoted with a worldwide market offensive with both present and prospective Mercedes-Benz customers.

TECHNICAL DATA (Mercedes-Benz Engine for 94 Indianapolis 500)
MODEL: Mercedes-Benz V8 - 72 degree
DISPLACEMENT: 3.43 liters (209.3 cu. in.)
VALVE TRAIN: Single Cam Pushrod; 2 valves per cylinder
TURBOCHARGER: 12.3 PSI (55 inches boost), wastegate controlled boost
FUEL: Methanol
WEIGHT: 124 kilos (273.37 lbs)
LENGTH: 561 mm (22.09")
WIDTH: 509.5 mm (20.06")
HEIGHT: 653.5 mm (25.73")