The FIA reviews the turbo V6

The World Motor Sport Council voted on June 29. What did it decide?

After consultation with the various Formula One stakeholders and engine manufacturers, the World Council has adopted the V6 turbo, which will be used starting in 2014. This required changes to the regulations adopted on June 3rd. The complete regulations for 2014 will be published in a few races.

Will a V6 use more fuel, or have lower consumption compared to the original proposal?

No. To push engineers to develop engine efficiency, the technical regulations impose a fuel flow control. By evolving the regulations to meet manufacturers’ demands, this parameter has not been modified. Therefore, the demand for efficiency will remain unchanged.

Why was the engine speed increased from 12,000 to 15,000 RPM? Is it to improve the sound?

No. This parameter has been modified to give engineers more flexibility in managing power and energy. However, the consequence of the new architecture (V6) and the change in engine regime is that the engine will have a different sound but will remain representative of F1.

Will this increase in engine speed affect fuel consumption?

Absolutely not. As explained previously, the consumption limitation will remain the same. The technologies are the same and, consequently, an increase in engine speed will force engineers to work hard to reduce friction and improve engine efficiency. The challenge will be greater than initially expected and will strengthen F1’s status as a technological leader.

Did the FIA maintain the energy recovery systems initially planned with the 4-cylinder engine?

Yes, the initial concept is respected. All the technologies planned for the 4-cylinder are still present. The new engine will be a very significant step forward in terms of gasoline consumption and energy recovery.

Are the manufacturers who had already started developing a 4-cylinder going to face an increase in costs now that they have to redirect their resources towards designing a V6?

To our knowledge, five engine manufacturers were working on the 4-cylinder. They will all have to adapt their project, which will likely involve additional costs depending on the progress of their project. This proposal was proposed and supported by the four engine manufacturers currently involved in F1.

Why is the introduction of the new engine being postponed by a year?

The decision comes from a request by the four manufacturers currently involved in F1. Their request for more time is related to the change in architecture but also to ensure that their projects are more robust. (The V6 will have to run approximately 4000 km)

Will these energy recovery systems and other efficiency-improving devices influence the development of road cars?

Yes. The automotive industry’s need to reduce gas emissions will become a key factor in the development of more efficient engines. Kinetic energy recovery is already applied in F1, and the introduction of exhaust energy recovery will add a new technology to explore.

F1 will return to its role as a developer of turbo technologies. This research will have real benefits, contributing to knowledge that can be used in the development of future road cars.

Engine characteristics:

1.6-liter V6

15,000 revolutions per minute maximum

Direct fuel injection up to 500 bars

A single turbocharger

Maximum fuel flow control

Energy recovery systems specifications:

KERS, 120kW (160 horsepower)

Recovery of exhaust energy for turbo efficiency