<\/em><\/p>\n Straight, No Chaser<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Aston Martin enthusiasts will be somewhat dismayed that the new LM P1 car, the AMR-One, underperformed greatly at the Le Mans Journ\u00e9e Test. It seems that the problems revolve around the car\u2019s new Straight-Six turbocharged 2-litre engine. It is a recent and completely new design, and clearly the team just needs more time to iron out the problems.<\/p>\n If Six turned out to be Nine<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is exciting to find a current team putting their faith in the Straight-Six configuration, for we are very used these days to engines using V-configurations: V6, V8, V10 and V12, but in line Sixes have been long forgotten!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But let us not forget that in the golden era of Aston Martin history, the David Brown period, Aston Martins were nearly always powered by Straight-Sixes. When David Brown bought Aston Martin in 1947 he inherited Claude Hill\u2019s excellent four-cylinder OHV motor- this unit powered the Spa 24 Hours winner in 1948. David Brown also bought the ailing Lagonda Company as he had his eye on the post-war Lagonda 2.6 litre, twin overhead cam, six cylinder in-line engine. This engine had been developed by no less than W.O. Bentley, who had been engaged by Lagonda in 1935.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.doubledeclutch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/2011LMSRicard_jb_1497.jpg\" "\\"2011LMSRicard_jb_1497\\"")
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