What Ilmor Engineering does

Ilmor Engineering is a privately held, UK-headquartered high-performance powertrain engineering firm founded in 1984 by Mario Illien, Paul Morgan, and Roger Penske. The company designs, develops, and manufactures engines, hybrid systems, and electric powertrains for motorsport, automotive, marine, and aerospace applications, operating from its Brixworth, UK headquarters and a Plymouth, Michigan US facility that supports IndyCar engine build and trackside service. Headcount is reported at 101–250 across the two legal entities (Ilmor Engineering Ltd. and Ilmor Engineering Inc.), and the business is founder/management-controlled with no identified external equity, venture capital, or public listing.

The technology stack centres on an integrated service offering — concept and design, simulation (CFD, structural, multibody dynamics, thermal, e-motor magnetic flux), electrical and electronics (custom ECUs, CAN data acquisition, Simulink-based software), precision CNC manufacturing (5-axis up to Ø1050 x H1000 mm, AS9100-certified), in-house build, and test and development (5 IC engine test cells up to 900 kW / 20,000 rpm; 2 e-axle test cells with twin dynamometers; cold chamber to -40°C). Flagship products include the Chevrolet-branded 2.2L twin-turbo V6 IndyCar engine, the 2024 IndyCar hybrid Motor Generator Unit co-developed with Honda and IndyCar, supercharged 6.2L marine engines for MasterCraft's X22/X23 boats, and bespoke V8 programmes such as the Hennessey Demon 1700. The company holds ISO 9001 and AS9100 (SGS-certified, UKAS-accredited) quality certifications.

Revenue is generated through a B2B enterprise model with quote-based pricing across three streams: hardware sales (engine and powertrain units to OEMs and racing teams), professional engineering services (testing, simulation, build, design), and bespoke development partnerships (project-based, e.g., the Hennessey collaboration). Named enterprise customers include General Motors/Chevrolet, Honda/HPD, Team Penske, Arrow McLaren, MasterCraft Boat Company, and Hennessey Special Operations, with motorsport — specifically the Chevrolet-Ilmor IndyCar engine programme, which has delivered 374 IndyCar wins including 23 Indianapolis 500 victories — being the historical core of the business. Forward-looking diversification is evident in marine OEM expansion, EV powertrain capability, AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing, and bespoke automotive engagements.

Name

Ilmor Engineering

Legal name

Ilmor Engineering Ltd.

Website

https://ilmor.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Ilmor Engineering is a private UK-based high-performance powertrain engineering firm that designs, manufactures, and tests motorsport, marine, aerospace, and bespoke automotive powertrains for enterprise clients including Chevrolet, Honda, Team Penske, and MasterCraft.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

High-Performance Powertrain Engineering

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing (33635), Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing (33631), Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (336320)

SIC

Engines & Turbines (3510), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Engine Components & Subsystems Manufacturing (Blocks/Heads/Valvetrain/Pistons) (IMACAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hybrid Powertrain Integration Manufacturing (ICE-HEV/PHEV modules) (IMACAHAJ), Automotive ECUs/Control Modules & Embedded Electronics Manufacturing (IMACAJAC)

Keywords

• High-performance powertrains
• Race engine manufacturing
• Motorsport engineering services
• EV powertrain development
• Precision CNC manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Brixworth

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Powertrain Engineering & Manufacturing: Design, develop and manufacture high-performance powertrains and components for automotive, marine, and aerospace clients. Revenue is generated through custom engineering projects and engine/powertrain sales to OEMs and racing teams.
2. Engineering Services: Comprehensive engineering services including simulation, testing and development, build and assembly services for ICE and e-machine power units.
3. Bespoke Engine Development: Custom high-performance engine development partnerships such as the bespoke 440 cubic-inch HEMI V8 developed with Hennessey Special Operations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Ilmor Engineering designs, develops, and manufactures high-performance powertrains and components for the automotive, marine, and aerospace sectors. The company delivers full-lifecycle engineering services from concept and design through simulation, electrical and electronics, manufacturing, build, and test development, with capabilities spanning internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and electric powertrains. It produces branded products including IndyCar racing engines in collaboration with Chevrolet, the IndyCar hybrid system, and supercharged marine engines for OEMs such as MasterCraft.

Product overview

Ilmor Engineering is a high-performance powertrain and engineering services company offering a comprehensive suite of services spanning the entire product lifecycle: Concept & Design, Simulation, Electrical & Electronics, Manufacturing, Build, and Test & Development. The company creates powertrains and components for the automotive, marine, and aerospace sectors. Core service offerings include IC Powertrain Development (with 5 test cells up to 900kW/20,000 rpm), EV Powertrain services (e-axle testing with twin dynamometers), and complete electrical/electronic solutions including e-machine design and custom controllers. The company also produces branded products including IndyCar racing engines developed with Chevrolet, IndyCar Hybrid Systems, and Marine engines for MasterCraft boats. Their manufacturing facility is AS9100 aerospace certified and ISO 9001 certified, serving motorsport, OEM, and aerospace clients.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IC Powertrain Development Internal combustion engine development and testing services featuring 5 fully equipped test cells capable of up to 900kW and 20,000 rpm, with steady state and transient testing, combustion analysis, and exhaust emissions analysis capabilities for motorsport, automotive, marine, and aerospace clients.
• EV Powertrain Electric powertrain development and testing services with 2 fully equipped e-axle test cells featuring twin dynamometers, battery simulators, power analysers, and fluid conditioning systems for system efficiency mapping and drive cycle simulation, supporting e-machine and hybrid powertrain programs.
• Concept & Design Services Powertrain and component design services for IC engines and e-machines, providing tailored design solutions for motorsport, automotive, marine, and aerospace applications.
• Simulation Services Virtual laboratory simulation capabilities including CFD (steady state and transient), structural analysis, multibody dynamics, thermal modelling (CHT), eMotor magnetic flux analysis, and battery drive cycle modelling to underpin design, development, and optimisation processes.
• Electrical & Electronics Services Complete custom vehicle electrical solutions including e-machine design, electronic controller development (fuel, ignition, turbo, throttle, e-machine), CAN-based data acquisition, and software development using Simulink.
• Manufacturing Services Precision CNC manufacturing services for aerospace (AS9100 certified), motorsport, and OEM sectors, supporting 5-axis milling, CNC turning/mill-turn, manual and surface grinding, with capabilities up to Ø1050 x H1000 dimensions across polymers, aluminium, steels, titanium, and Inconel alloys, plus Nikasil liner plating and in-house honing.
• Build Services In-house power unit assembly and disassembly services for ICE and e-machine systems, featuring component tracking via bespoke database, non-destructive testing (NDT), and metrology support.
• Test & Development Services Extensive testing facilities for evaluating and optimising performance, mechanical design, and durability of both ICE and electric powertrains, including cold chamber testing down to -40°C.
• IndyCar Powertrains High-performance racing engines for the NTT IndyCar Series, developed in collaboration with Chevrolet, powering multiple Indianapolis 500 wins, Driver Championships, and Engine Manufacturers Championships.
• IndyCar Hybrid System Hybrid unit developed in collaboration with Chevrolet, Honda, and IndyCar for the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series, featuring a Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Energy Storage System fitted to all cars, providing 60 extra horsepower boost.
• Marine Engines High-performance marine engines including supercharged 6.2L engines producing up to 630 horsepower and 665 lb-ft of torque, supplied to marine OEMs such as MasterCraft for premium wake and surf boats (X22 and X23).

Quantifiable outcome

• 23 Indianapolis 500 wins since 1984
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Hennessey Special OperationsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration to develop a bespoke 440 cubic-inch HEMI V8 for the Demon 1700 project, a twin-turbo transformation of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 producing up to 1,700 horsepower on E85 flex-fuel.
• IndyCarcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration with IndyCar to produce the hybrid unit for all cars in the 2024 NTT IndyCar series. This marked the first time all cars were fitted with a hybrid system, with the MGU providing 60 extra horsepower boost.
• Honda / HPDcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Collaboration with Honda on IndyCar hybrid system development. Both Chevrolet/Ilmor and Honda/HPD collaborated to develop the hybrid system for all IndyCar series cars in 2024. The hybrid design applies learnings across the entire program.
• McLaren RacingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1995The Mercedes-Ilmor and McLaren F1 partnership continued for 19 years, achieving 20 Formula 1 wins including Mika Hakkinen's two World Championships in 1998 and 1999. First F1 win achieved by David Coulthard in Melbourne 1997.
• Mercedes-BenzcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1993Mercedes-Benz collaboration providing financial backing for V10 engine supply to Sauber in 1993, which evolved into the long-term McLaren-Mercedes-Ilmor F1 partnership lasting 19 years. The F1 division was sold to Mercedes-Benz in 2005.
• Roger PenskecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1984Co-founder of Ilmor alongside Mario Illien and Paul Morgan. Roger Penske has been Ilmor's engine partner for all 40 years, with 365 IndyCar races and 22 Indy 500s powered by Ilmor engines through the Penske organization.
• General Motors / ChevroletcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term strategic partnership with General Motors for IndyCar engine supply under the Chevrolet banner. Ilmor designs and builds engines for Chevrolet-powered IndyCar teams including Team Penske and Arrow McLaren. This partnership has yielded multiple championships and 374+ IndyCar wins.
• MasterCraft Boat CompanycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerIlmor supplies supercharged 6.2L engines producing 630 horsepower for MasterCraft's X22 and X23 wake and surf boats. The partnership has been reaping rewards for both companies according to Ilmor's 40th anniversary coverage.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cosworth: Cosworth designs and manufactures high-performance engines and electronics for motorsport, automotive, and aerospace customers. It competes directly with Ilmor in IndyCar/F1 heritage engines, Ford performance programs, and professional motorsport powertrain supply.
• Mecachrome: Mecachrome is a precision engineering firm that manufactures racing engines for Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, and supplies high-precision aerospace and automotive components. It competes with Ilmor as an independent race-engine builder and AS9100-grade manufacturer.
• Honda Performance Development (HPD): HPD is Honda's North American motorsport subsidiary, formerly Ilmor's IndyCar rival (engine supply 2003-2011). It is the most direct competition for Ilmor in spec-engine programs and shares customers including Andretti and Arrow McLaren.
• Multimatic: Multimatic provides motorsport engineering, vehicle dynamics, and low-volume manufacturing (including Ford GT programs). It is comparable to Ilmor as a specialist motorsport engineering firm with overlapping motorsport OEM customers and similar headcount scale.

Broad incumbents

• Ricardo: Ricardo is a global powertrain engineering consultancy serving automotive, motorsport, marine, aerospace, and defense customers. It is comparable to Ilmor as a powertrain engineering services firm but operates at much larger scale and broader sector reach.
• AVL List: AVL is the world's largest independent powertrain engineering services firm with thousands of engineers. It competes with Ilmor for OEM powertrain development mandates and test-cell services across ICE, hybrid, and EV programs.
• MAHLE Powertrain: MAHLE Powertrain provides engine and electrified powertrain development, testing, and consulting to global OEMs. Its vehicle programs, e-axle development, and engine dynamometer services directly overlap with Ilmor's test/development and concept/design offerings.

Emerging players

• Williams Advanced Engineering: Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) spun out of the Williams F1 team to commercialize battery, EV, and motorsport engineering IP. It overlaps with Ilmor in motorsport-derived electrification (battery systems, e-machines) and is a relevant benchmark for commercializing racing IP into adjacent sectors.
• Pratt & Miller (subsidiary of Bosch Engineering): Pratt & Miller is a motorsport engineering and low-volume manufacturing firm acquired by Bosch. It is comparable as a motorsport specialist with Corvette Racing heritage and serves similar motorsport and performance-vehicle OEM customers as Ilmor.

Regional players

• Hatz Diesel: Hatz is a German specialist manufacturer of high-performance industrial and specialty engines. While not in motorsport, it is comparable as a privately held European engineering firm with vertical integration from design through engine assembly serving niche OEM customers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ilmor-engineering-ltd
• Xx.com/ilmorengines
• Facebookfacebook.com/IlmorEngines

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ilmor Engineering