FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[darwin dali]

Planet-F1:
Ferrari are keen to see F1 introduce Gasoline Direct Injection technology should the sport switch to smaller turbocharged engines in 2013.

Engines are one of the hot topics being debated in Formula One's circles at present as the sport looks to nail down the regulations for the 2013 season.

One of the ideas being touted - and which looks likely to be agreed upon - is a switch from the current 2.4l V8s to 670bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged engines.

However, should the sport opt for small engines, Ferrari are keen for it to also introduce explore fuel efficiency technology such as the Gasoline Direct Injection concept.

"If F1 has to develop something helpful for real driving conditions, then the best solution is for an engine that is turbocharged and GDI," Ferrari's CEO Amedeo Felisa told Autocar.

"That is what we would support.

"It is the best solution for driving efficiency and utilisation of the engine in a positive way."

[f1ea]

I can't believe its taken so long actually.
There's already a few fuel efficient technologies used in road cars... be it hybrids, super efficient engines and/or alternative fuels....... that's the way to go.

[darwin dali]

And Pitpass chimes in:

Mat Coch writes:

Following Pitpass' exclusive revelation that Formula One could return to turbocharged engines in 2013, it's believed another engine technology has been submitted to the FIA which could spark an engine war.

Andreas Andrianos, CEO of Project 1221, has revealed exclusively to Pitpass that his company has approached Bernie Ecclestone with a gas turbine engine developed for Formula One. He also claims that a proposal is now with the FIA for evaluation and, if approved, Project 1221 could supply engines to teams as early as 2013.

Formed in 2001, Project 1221 has developed gas turbine technologies for a number of automotive, aeronautical and military applications. The company is best known for its seemingly aborted super car, the MF1, a mid-engined sports car which was said to be capable of over 400kph.

Andrianos claims a gas turbine engine would be a much cheaper solution than an internal combustion unit, together with other benefits which he believes make it an attractive proposition.

While fuel consumption is inferior to that of current spec Formula One engines, through the use of bio-diesel fuel the engines are more environmentally friendly. Coupled with greater 'green' credentials a single turbine engine is expected to be capable of racing almost an entire season without maintenance, meaning lower ongoing costs. Furthermore, as there is no traditional cooling system the engine can be more easily packaged into a modern Formula One car - stresses on the engine during competition are expected to be similar to that in helicopters and aircraft and could therefore easily handle the demands of Formula One.

There are potential problems in relation to the gearbox however. An electric motor would be needed to engage the reverse gear, while teams would have to address their fundamental design as turbine engines cannot be a structural member of the car. It would mean reverting to a space frame design to support the rear suspension, rather than bolting it to the engine block as has been the standard since the Lotus 49 in 1967.

Ironically the man who developed the Lotus 49, Colin Chapman, tinkered with turbine power in the early 1970's. Inspired by the performance of turbine cars in the US during the 1960's Chapman produced the Lotus 56B, a four-wheel-drive car powered by a Pratt & Whitney turbine engine. In three championship starts it achieved a best result of eighth at the 1971 Italian Grand Prix in the hands of Emerson Fittipaldi. Plagued by problems, most notably turbo lag, the 56B was abandoned in favour of the Lotus 72 and a traditional Cosworth power plant.

With developments in technology, Andrianos believes gas turbine engines are now more advanced and, if given the opportunity, could race alongside turbocharged or normally aspirated rivals. By limiting the air intake of the engine Andrianos believes the FIA could effectively equalise engine performance, creating an environment where multiple engine configurations could compete on equal footing.

Such a move could potentially open the way for unheralded engine innovation within the sport. Volkswagen, for example, has produced a 2.0-litre TSI engine powered by natural gas, which it claims reduces CO2 output by as much as 80%, and has already raced at the Nurburgring 24hr in a VW Scirocco, winning its class. The German company has been forever linked with Formula One, and giving more engineering freedom for 'green' technologies may provide the catalyst for its entry.

An engine development race may go against the cost cutting initiatives the FIA has been championing, but, within reasonable guidelines, it could be seen as a golden opportunity for the sport to become a leader in 'green' technology. It would also allow the FIA to fulfil its mandate of assisting the development of technology relevant to road cars, giving motor sport a chance to be seen as part of the cure, rather than part of the cause.

[f1ea]

^^ That's exactly what I said

[7UpJordan]

Yes, bring back the turbos please.

[madbrad]

Turbine engines are only good for long distance high speed touring. You can't run them up and down like a whore's hotpants. And if it uses more fuel, why even consider it.

[scotty]

Wait a minute, bio-diesel fuel? So turbo diesel engines basically? Nooooooooo....

[f1ea]

Turbine engines are only good for long distance high speed touring. You can't run them up and down like a whore's hotpants. And if it uses more fuel, why even consider it.

How do you "rev" down a turbine for breaking and turning?? such as in the new section in Bahrain. That will be nice to see

[LifeW12]

They should run on Methanol fuel and have only one map so the drivers make multiple fuel stops and the only way they can save fuel is to be easier with their right foot.

[bud]

great F1 is going to sound like a bunch of 747's

[LifeW12]

great F1 is going to sound like a bunch of 747's

I want it to sound like the 2002 CART cars:

[youtube]0UDWrLKucas[/youtube]
[youtube]WYn5UBiOhG4[/youtube]
[youtube]_oYxNhRy61A[/youtube]

[darwin dali]

The cat is out of the bag (almost):

Formula One teams are close to agreeing upon a new engine formula for the six-year period beginning in 2013.

Until then, development of the current 2.4 litre V8s will remain 'frozen', to be replaced thereafter by similarly powerful engines that use less fuel, emit less pollution and are affordable for the small teams.

Spain's El Mundo Deportivo newspaper said an in-principle agreement has been reached for a four cylinder, 1.5 litre engine equipped with a twin-turbo and direct injection. The new formula would reportedly also involve KERS.

"If F1 has to develop something helpful for real (road) driving conditions, then the best solution is for an engine that is turbocharged and GDI (gasoline direct injection)," Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa said. "That is what we would support. It is the best solution for driving efficiency and utilisation of the engine in a positive way."

Mercedes' Norbert Haug agrees that smaller engines are likely for reasons of consumption and emissions, but warns that high technology needs to remain a crucial focus. "If you fly from Europe to Japan on a 747, you would use more fuel than an entire F1 season," he said. "We need to see the whole picture."

[f1ea]

Great ^^
I was just about to post the same article

4 cyl. 1.5L twin turbo engines... starting in 2013. That should teach NASCAR a thing or two about technology

[darwin dali]

And EJ will have a moaning orgy starting in 2013

[bud]

Great ^^
I was just about to post the same article

4 cyl. 1.5L twin turbo engines... starting in 2013. That should teach NASCAR a thing or two about technology

F1 isnt already?