You may remember the DeltaWing race car that had a tricky racing season in 2012 within the American Le Mans Series. Running under Nissan power, the auto ran in two races, but was forced off the track after a collision with the Toyota TS030 hybrid in last years’ 24 Hours of Le Mans. However the DeltaWing’s racing days is probably not over, if ALMS founder Don Panoz has any say in it, Speed reports.

One of the backers of the unique Nissan-powered DeltaWing effort, Panoz is reportedly developing a brand new Mazda MZ-R based engine with a billet block, direct-injection and twin turbos producing approximately 345 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Along with being more powerful than the former Nissan engine, the Mazda-based engine is reportedly 15 lb lighter to boot.

The car with the brand new engine will reportedly debut at this year’s Sebring race within the current open-top bodystyle, but an enclosed coupe body would be used for races after Sebring. Besides the hot engine and new body, the automobile may be competing within the P1 category for 2013, a metamorphosis to a faster, more competitive class than the 2012 car’s P1 classification.

The new enclosed coupe body style with the brand new Mazda-based engine will reportedly see track action on the May 11 ALMS race at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway.

Source: Speed TV