Cosworth, a British brand long associated with motorsports, says it is opening up a facility in Michigan to supply an automaker with high-performance V-8 engine parts.
What isn't known, however, is just which automaker will utilize Cosworth as a supplier. All three Detroit automakers—Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F], Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [NYSE:FCAU] and General Motors Company [NYSE:GM]—have V-8-powered performance cars in their arsenals, although it's Ford which has been most commonly associated with Cosworth overseas.
Incidentally, Cosworth is currently developing an enhanced version of the Mustang GT's 5.0-liter V-8 for use in the new sports cars from revived British brand TVR.
According to Automotive News (subscription required), Cosworth plans to build V-8 cylinder heads in Shelby Township, Michigan, a suburb north of Detroit. That's just the beginning for Cosworth in Michigan, as the firm's CEO said it intends to expand the facility to build more than just cylinder heads for V-8 engines.
Plant operational in 2018
The plant will be online in 2018, Cosworth CEO Hal Reisiger said. He gave a small hint as to who will buy the cylinder heads by indicating that the company chose Michigan for its "proximity to the customer base."
Ford builds Mustangs in suburban Detroit and the Chevrolet Camaro is built not far away in Lansing. FCA, meanwhile, builds its V-8 cars in suburban Toronto.
Documents filed with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation indicate that the state is kicking in a $2.1 million loan to help Cosworth set up shop.
Cosworth also has motorsports facilities in Indiana and North Carolina to supply IndyCar and NASCAR teams, respectively.