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2014 engines:
answers to the
key questions
This time next year, Formula 1 will be preparing for the arrival
of exciting new rules built around 1.6-litre turbo V6 engines.
Last week, Mercedes-Benz published the first images of its new
unit, as AUTOSPORT sought answers to some of the key issues
WILL THEY BE LESS POWERFUL THAN THE CURRENT V8s?
No. The aim of the move 2014 engines to the 2014 is to engines create power was to units create
power-units that produce that the same produced horsepower the same as horsepower the current as V8s the but
current are as much V8s but as one-third were as much more as efficient. one-third This more will efficient. be
This mandated will be through mandated a fuel-flow through limit a fuel-flow of 100kg limit of 100kg
(approximately 140-litres) 140 litres) per hour.
The The predictions are are that that the the new new turbocharged units units will be
delivering will deliver the same 750hp 750bhp as as the the current V8s, V8s, but but with a
significantly with a significantly bigger bigger boost from boost Energy from Energy Recovery Recovery Systems
(ERS) Systems in terms (ERS) of in power terms of and power the length and the of length time they of time can be
used they can over be a lap. used over a lap.
The engines will also deliver much more torque, so
drivers are likely to experience far more power than the
tyre the tyre grip grip is capable is capable of comfortably of comfortably handling handling on the on exit of
slow the exit corners. of slow corners.
SO IS F1 GOING TO TURN INTO AN ECONOMY DRIVE?
Fuel economy is already important in F1, but the fact that
a fuel-flow limit is mandated in the regulations means that
for 2014 there will be no way of getting around having too
thirsty an engine by simply adding more fuel.
Engine chiefs believe that the racing will shift towards
those ‘thinking’ drivers who have a more strategic mind to
manage the fuel and ERS use over a race – similar to the
situation created by Pirelli’s tyres for the past two years.
Engine builders are confident, however, that it will not go
as far as frustrating the drivers by preoccupying them with
looking after the fuel rather than racing wheel-to-wheel.
WILL THEY SOUND ANY GOOD?
Yes. The biggest talking point among fans and F1 chiefs
about the switch to V6 turbos has been about the sound
the new engines will make.
Bernie Ecclestone has long been sceptical about the
noise, and last year he described it as “terrible” after
hearing an engine on the dyno at Ferrari.
Last week, Mercedes played to selected media an audio
recording of a simulated dyno lap of the Monza circuit.
Although the V6 was quieter than the shrieking squeal of
the current V8s, it was still very loud. And it will sound
even better when it is put onto a real car out on track
rather than being run in the confines of a dyno facility.
Mercedes-Benz engine chief Andy Cowell said: “They
are loud, but I think sweeter sounding.”
10 autosport.com January 17 2013