Life after the engine freeze...

[f1italia]

What can we expect after the Engine Freeze?

Formula 1 has had so many different types of engine configurations over the years 4 cylinders, V6, V8, V10, V12, V16 and at different degree V angles, Superchargers, turbos. The V10 was probably the perfect balance between the V12 and V8. I was sad to see it go.

I know they are working on going greener next year with better emission control. We could very well see Diesel powered engines after freeze. I know since Audi has had so much success with Diesel we could very well see it in F1. If not diesel possibly 4 cylinder turbo's. Those engines would scream like those little annoying import tuners.

[midzt]

Well considering the trend in the commercial world of downsizing engines and turbo/supercharging them, we could well see that,most notably the VW 1.4 TSI. Doubt we'll see something that small tho, and with only 4 cylinders, even 4 cylinder engines are becoming less developd as manufactures look at 3 or 5 cyl engines instead.
Can't really see them turning to diesel either, maybe some kinda biofuel, i know ther 5% in them now so could well see that being increased.
Could well see hybrids or what mite be more interesting is to see F1 developed HCCI and help the development of road going cars in that front.

At the end of the day, F1 needs to look like its trickling down tech to normal road going cars to make it seem like its a worthwhile exercise and to keep ppl on its side. Should be an interesting few years up ahead and hopefully th decisions made won't ruin F1 for good.

[f1italia]

From reading the FIA Regulations we could be seeing some big changes in Engine design in the near future. There are talks about 1.3 - 1.5 litre 4 Cyclinder Engines.

http://www.fia.com/mediacentre/Press_Re ... 07-01.html

[joseff]

IMHO a 4-cylinder turbo going 16krpm plus the turbo/BOV noises would sound totally mean.

[JiMbO]

i read this in the link provided by f1italia

"The total amount of fuel energy to be consumed during a race will be regulated, encouraging further overall efficiency."

why would they do that??? i dont see how this would make things anymore exciting

[joseff]

Sure it is. It'll encourage research into efficiency, which is good for both F1 and road car applications.

The subject has been discussed here and more recently here.

[f1italia]

IMHO a 4-cylinder turbo going 16krpm plus the turbo/BOV noises would sound totally mean.

Honda, Toyota, and Renault would have a big advantage with that engine.

[donskar]

Honda, Toyota, and Renault would have a big advantage with that engine.

Very good point. Really radical changes in any area - especially engines - would seem to favor those teams with the deepest pockets and largest tech staffs . And will increase, imho, the cost of F1, without necessarily making it a better show.

[JiMbO]

I agree that any major changes to the engine rules cannot help lower the costs of

f1 any monies that the teams have which are not spent on engine development

will just be redirected to other areas of development!

[Giblets]

I Like the idea of turbos and fuel limits in F1 because it adds another dimension in terms of race strategy.

Variable power output that is kept in check by limited fuel allowance.

[Giblet]

Ummm.... can you choose another name?

Or at least make it a lot more different then mine?

Sort of a lame request, but never had a doppleganger before.

[f1italia]

I think it will be very interesting if they go to 4 cylinder engines after the freeze. Toyota and Honda will be the teams to beat.

[Scotracer]

What I hope is that the teams have done some development of the V8s (but not been able to put it on the cars) over the freeze in anticipation of the regulations being opened up again with the same unit and we see a massive jump in power, along with KERS/HERS in full swing. Imagine a 2.4 V8 revving over 22,000rpm with full regenerative systems generating over 1000BHP

Oh how one can dream. One thing is for sure -- I don't want inline-4s. What about a V4 or V5 like MotoGP?

[Conceptual]

Rotary?

Chris

[WhiteBlue]

Whatever they do I do not see them going for more than 700-800 bhp combined from engine and regeneration. If they have some sense they would go for the engine with the highest efficiency to weight ratio. Certainly an induced engine I would think. If it is a diesel they would probably run larger capacities and lower revs. If it is petrol revs will be higher but not at current levels. With the diesel option you can run biogas generated synthetic diesel as Le Mans protos do.