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Ilmor's High Performance History
Design, Development, Manufacturing and Support
Ilmor got its start in 1983 when two engineers, Swiss-born Mario Illien and British native Paul Morgan living in Brixworth, England, sent a hand-written letter to businessman and racing team owner Roger Penske. They proposed a new company to design and build turbocharged engines for the American-based Indy Car series. Within three months, with Penske's backing, Ilmor Engineering was born.
By 1987 Ilmor's new engine was winning races. The first in Long beach California, with Mario Andretti at the wheel. Ilmor's initial success at the Indy 500 came the following year with Rick Mears driving a Penske PC17 to victory. Since that memorable date, Ilmor engines have won the Memorial Day classic no less than 14 times. Ilmor's racing heritage was attained at Indy, regarded by many as the greatest race in the world.
A new US based division, Ilmor Engineering, Inc., was incorporated in 1990 with the primary goal of providing engineering support to the growing list of customers using the Ilmor manufactured Indy Car engines. In 1998 the headquarters moved from its Redford, Michigan location into a custom built facility in Plymouth, MI. The new facility housed all of the necessary disciplines to support the growing Indy Car program including design, engineering, engine build, dyno and development capabilities.
Today, the expanded 45,000 sq ft facility houses more than 85 people with increased manufacturing, design and development tools including emissions compliant test facilities being available.
Ilmor, Inc. entered the high-performance marine world in 2004 with the 550-horsepower MV-10. A unique engine based on the V-10 power-plant found in the incredible Dodge Viper sportscar. Ilmor's team of marine engineers incorporated a series of refinements and advancements over the next few years, resulting in more horsepower and increased torque from the same lightweight package. In 2005 the MV-625 was born and in 2006 the MV7-10 was introduced to great acclaim.
Since its inception in 2004, Ilmor's marine division has seen substantial growth and has become a well-established supplier to the US and European high performance boat market. Ilmor High Performance Marine, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ilmor Engineering, Inc. and shares its headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan.
Today's Ilmor still follows the same principles put in place by its founders: innovative solutions, precision engineering and manufacturing, high quality, reliable products, and a high level of customer support.
