The 265-D engine was introduced for the 1994 season, which replaced the 265-C, although some of the smaller teams still ran the "C" throughout 1994.
Without badging support, the engines were referred to simply as the "Ilmor-C" and the "Ilmor-D".
This engine was said to produce about 30 hp (22 kW) more than the Ford-Cosworth XB used at the time.
[6] In 1995, Mercedes-Benz became the badging manufacturer for the Ilmor Indy car engines.
The engine continued to be a strong contender on the CART circuit.