Formula 1 Could Return to Turbo 4-Cylinder Engines for 2013 Season
Rumors are circulating the web about the possibility of a return to four-cylinder, turbo charged engines. The last time a Formula One race car used a four cylinder unit was back in 1988. Since then, the engines have grown in size and the cylinder count has varied, but all engines have been normally aspirated.
The FIA wants to increase fuel-efficiency by 50% and the only logical way to achieve that it seems is to go with smaller engines with turbo chargers. Since many road cars these days have small, turbo charged engines to improve their efficiency, this move would increase public demand for such engines.
BBC Sport reports that great measures are being taken to ensure the speed of the sport is not sacrificed to achieve their goals, so the new 1.6-liter motors will still be able to produce around 750 hp, even though engine revs will also be limited to 10,000 rpm – current engines spin up to 18,000 rpm.
However, not everyone is in favor of these smaller engines. Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari are reluctant about the spec changes, and even F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his dislike for such huge specification changes. He believes these changes will cost a lot of money, especially in an era when all teams are trying to save money.
The final decision will be announced in a few days time, so watch this space for an update.
[Source: BBC Sports‘
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