Spice AK93
This unique car was born on the heels of a project intending to create a Honda powered Group C car for the 3.5 litre era. The Allard J2X project was being developed to receive a Honda 3.5 litre V10, but Honda decided in 1992 to turn their focus to Indycar. This car was the development of that project, swapping the intended V10 for a 6.5 litre Chevrolet V8 engine coupled to a Hewland DGB transmission.
Specification
Race Category: World Sports Car (WSC) / IMSA Lights prototype
Livery:
Year:
Designer: Graham Humphries and Spice Engineering team
Chassis Number: 19
Chassis Construction: Carbon-fibre monocoque with carbon-fibre bodywork
Weight: 675 kg
Aerodynamics:
Body Style: Closed-cockpit sports prototype
Steering Position: Centre
Suspension: Double wishbones with pushrod-actuated dampers front and rear
Brakes: Ventilated racing disc brakes
Engine Details: Acura C30B V6 (Honda-derived)
Engine Layout: Mid-mounted longitudinal
Engine Size: 3.0-litre naturally aspirated
Engine Power: 440 bhp
Fuel Type:
Drive Configuration: RWD
Transmission: Hewland DGB 5-speed manual gearbox
Detailed Overview
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Description
The Spice AK93 #19 represents one of the final chapters in the story of British prototype constructor Spice Engineering. Developed for the new generation of naturally aspirated sports prototype regulations introduced in 1993, the AK93 moved away from the turbocharged Group C philosophy and embraced a lighter, simpler, Formula One-inspired approach to endurance racing. The car was designed around a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and featured advanced aerodynamics combined with an exceptionally low overall weight, creating a highly agile and responsive racing machine.
Power came from the Honda-derived Acura C30B 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing around 440 horsepower. Although less powerful than many contemporary V8-powered prototypes, the lightweight chassis and excellent balance allowed the AK93 to remain competitive in its class. The engine was coupled to a Hewland DGB five-speed gearbox and mounted in a mid-engine configuration to optimise handling and weight distribution.
The AK93’s origins were unusual. The project began as a more ambitious prototype intended to use a Honda Formula One-based V10 engine, but Honda’s withdrawal from the programme forced a redesign. The resulting car became a unique prototype that showcased Spice Engineering’s ability to adapt to changing regulations and technical challenges.
Today, the Spice AK93 is regarded as a rare and fascinating piece of endurance racing history. As one of the last prototypes produced by Spice Engineering and one of the few Acura-powered sports prototypes of its era, it remains a distinctive reminder of the transition from the classic Group C period into the final years of traditional sports prototype racing.
Race History
- Developed By: Spice Engineering for the new 3.0-litre World Sports Car regulations introduced in the early 1990s.
- Origins: Developed from a project originally intended to use a Honda Formula One-derived V10 before Honda redirected its motorsport focus.
- Engine Programme: Utilised the Acura/Honda C30B V6 engine rather than the larger V8 powerplants used by many rivals.
- Competition Era: 1993 IMSA and sports prototype competition.
- Notable Teams: Brix Racing campaigned AK93 examples in IMSA Lights competition.
- Performance Strengths: Excellent chassis balance, low weight, and strong reliability.
- Challenges: Lower power output compared with larger V8-powered competitors.
- Historic Importance: One of the final cars developed by Spice Engineering before the end of the Group C/WSC era.
Features
- Focus: Lightweight performance and compliance with the new naturally aspirated sports prototype regulations
- Notable Traits: One-off development car, Honda/Acura-powered prototype, transitional design between Group C and WSC regulations
