Cosworth has been awarded the highly-coveted Dewar Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) for its pioneering, benchmark-setting work in the design and development of bespoke, low-volume, ultra high-performance, naturally-aspirated internal combustion engines (ICE) that exceed projected global regulatory standards.
The exclusive and prestigious recognition by the RAC also highlights Cosworth’s cutting-edge approach to product development, strategy and process innovation and reinforces the company’s continued leadership in delivering engineering excellence and world-class technology solutions that are shaping the future of the automotive industry.
Bruce Wood, Managing Director of Cosworth, added: “Winning the Dewar Trophy is a remarkable achievement for Cosworth. It validates our focus on combining cutting-edge technologies with a process that ensures every product we develop meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
“Our recent collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious automotive and motorsport brands have been pivotal in securing the Dewar Trophy and further highlight Cosworth’s leadership in high-performance automotive engineering.”
Dr Florian Kamelger, Cosworth CEO, commented: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Dewar Trophy, a reflection of our dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering. This award is a testament to the hard work of our talented team and the innovative solutions we are bringing to market. As we continue to evolve and redefine the future of luxury automotive performance, this recognition underscores Cosworth’s commitment to delivering technologies that are at the forefront of automotive excellence.
“What sets Cosworth apart, and what played a crucial role in securing the Dewar Trophy, is our emphasis on strategic and process-driven engineering approach. More than just an engine developer, Cosworth has integrated methodologies that ensure excellence in both the final product and the way it is conceived, designed, and brought to life.”
Ben Cussons, Vice-President of the Royal Automobile Club and Chairman of the Dewar Trophy Technical Committee said: “It is testament to the innovative nature of the British motor industry that the Royal Automobile Club is able to award the Dewar Trophy to a previous winner. 55 years since it last won, Cosworth has demonstrated how it has used its outstanding design, development and manufacture capability to become the world leader in normally-aspirated ICE hyper car powertrain production. Truly an organisation that never rests on its laurels.”
Pioneering partnerships delivering engineering excellence
Cosworth’s development of the Bugatti Tourbillon engine has been hailed as a significant achievement in luxury automotive powertrain engineering. Designed to push the boundaries of high-performance engines, this V16 is an engineering tour-de-force, showcasing Cosworth’s expertise in precision and innovation. Its technical sophistication is complemented by an unparalleled attention to detail, ensuring that the engine not only delivers exceptional performance but also aligns with Bugatti's commitment to craftsmanship and luxury.
The Gordon Murray T.50 engine represents a pinnacle in lightweight, high-performance engineering. Developed to deliver an optimal power-to-weight ratio, the engine is a key component of one of the most anticipated hypercars. Cosworth’s contribution to the T.50 project highlights its ability to deliver high-performance engines that combine advanced technology with lightweight construction, ensuring responsiveness and efficiency.
Cosworth’s partnership with Aston Martin to develop the Valkyrie engine has resulted in one of the most advanced naturally-aspirated V12 engines ever produced. This powertrain pushes the boundaries of internal combustion technology, offering an incredible 11,100 rpm redline. The Valkyrie project also showcases Cosworth’s ability to innovate within the hypercar segment, meeting extreme performance goals while maintaining the aesthetic principles that define Aston Martin’s luxury values.
And Cosworth’s involvement in the Red Bull RB17 hypercar project further reinforces its position as a leader in high-performance automotive engineering. Tasked with delivering a powertrain for the limited-edition hypercar, Cosworth is developing a bespoke engine that meets the stringent performance and innovation standards set by Red Bull Racing.
The future of internal combustion
As part of the Dewar Trophy celebrations, Cosworth Managing Director, Bruce Wood, participated in a pre-award seminar and panel discussion titled, “Fossil-fuelled motoring may be dead, but is the obituary being written for internal combustion engines prematurely?” His contribution highlighted Cosworth’s belief that, while electric mobility is part of the future roadmap, there remains a crucial space for high-performance internal combustion engines in niche applications such as hypercars.
This year’s Dewar Trophy marks the first time Cosworth has won the award since 1969, when it was recognised for the iconic DFV engine that revolutionised Formula 1 racing. Cosworth’s win reaffirms its legacy in the automotive world, showcasing its capacity to innovate and adapt while continuing to lead in the development of high-performance technologies.
The Dewar Trophy is awarded by the Royal Automobile Club to recognise the most outstanding technical achievement in British automotive engineering. First presented in 1904, the award is granted only when the Club’s expert committee identifies an achievement of exceptional merit. Cosworth joins a distinguished list of past recipients, reinforcing its place as a leader in the industry.
Media: media@cosworth.com
About Cosworth
Cosworth is a global technology business with six decades of engineering experience that delivers propulsion, electronics and software solutions for customers in the automotive, aerospace and marine sectors. Whether through hybrid or EV propulsion, data connectivity or automation technology, Cosworth is ready to solve new challenges with mobility solutions of the future. No matter the complexity of the project, Cosworth has the ability to design, develop and manufacture clean sheet solutions from its state-of-the-art facilities.
About the Dewar Technical Committee
The Dewar Technical Committee is made up of leading experts from across the automotive, motorsport and academic industries. Chaired by Ben Cussons, Vice-President of the Royal Automobile Club, the Committee also includes Professor David Greenwood from Warwick University, former F1 technical director Pat Symonds, Autocar Editor-in-Chief Steve Cropley, automotive consultant and director of IQUAD Technology Dan Parry-Williams, motorsport journalist Charles Armstrong-Wilson, and engineering consultant Alec Osborn MBE
Cosworth empowers organisations to reach their full potential with innovative solutions and world-class products and services that enhance performance and enable greatness.
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