List of Formula One engines

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Since its inception in 1947, Formula One has used a variety of engine regulations. The origin of the name Formula comes from the use of a maximum engine capacity and single weight regulation. "Formulas" limiting engine capacity had been used in Grand Prix racing on a regular basis since after World War I. The engine formulae are divided according to era.

Contents

[edit] Operation

Formula One currently uses four-stroke V8, naturally-aspirated reciprocating engines. These have the best power denstity of the common configurations, producing more than 300 horspower per litre of displacement.

These levels are mainly achieved by a very high rotational speed, more than 19,500 rpm, a level attained only here. Their torque isn't much higher than a conventional petrol engine. To illustrate, a 3 litre F1 engine which produces 650 kw (880PS) at 18000 rpm, outputs 345 N.m. This is better than an automotive one like the 3.0si in the BMW Z4 Coupé which develops 315 N.m, but it demonstrates only optimized breathing.

The solution to the problem of obtaining high power lies instead in making the engines turn faster, a goal sought ever since research into performance engines began. The configuration of naturally aspirated engines haven't been greatly modified since the Cosworth DFV, and their mean effective pressure stayed around 14 bars.[1] Until the 1980s, the metal valve springs limited revoltions to about 12,000 per minute, but since the 1990s they have been replaced by pressurised air, allowing up to 20,000 rpm.

The stroke is the distance the piston travels in one revolution. A shorter stroke enables a higher rotating speed at a constant mean piston speed. Shortening the stroke however, implies enlarging the bore, resulting in a less efficient combustion chamber. The stroke of an F1 engine is approximately 45 mm, only half as long as the bore is wide (90 mm).

[edit] 1947-1953

This era used pre-war voiturette engine regulations, with 4.5 L atmospheric and 1.5 L supercharged engines. Formula 2 cars were allowed, and the World Championship was run under F2 rules in 1952 and 1953, but F1 races were still held in those years. The Indianapolis 500 used pre-war Grand Prix regulations, with 4.5 L atmospheric and 3.0 L supercharged engines.

Power range up to 390 hp

[edit] 1954-1960

Engine size was reduced for 2.5 L. 750 cc supercharged cars were allowed but no constructor built one for the World Championship. The Indianapolis 500 continued to use old pre-war regulations.

Power range up to 290 hp

[edit] 1961-1965

Introduced in 1961 amidst some criticism, the new reduced engine 1.5 L formula took control of F1 just as every team and manufacturer switched from front to mid-engined cars. Although these were initially underpowered, five years later average power had increased by nearly 50%. Lap times were better than in 1960 anyway. The old 2.5 L formula had been retained for International Formula racing, but this didn't achieve much success until the introduction of the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand during the winter season, leaving the 1.5 L cars as the fastest single seaters in Europe during this time.

Power range 150 - 225 hp

[edit] 1966-1986

In 1966, with sports cars capable of outrunning Formula 1 cars thanks to much larger and more powerful engines, the FIA increased engine capacity to 3.0 L atmospheric and 1.5 L supercharged engines. Although a few manufacturers had been clamoring for bigger engines, the transition wasn't smooth and 1966 was a transitional year. The appearance of the standard-produced Cosworth DFV in 1967 made it possible for any small manufacturer to join the series with a home-built tub. Supercharging was allowed for the first time since 1960, but it wasn't until 1977 that it became viable, when Renault debuted their new Gordini V6 Turbo. In 1969, Lotus made a few unsuccessful experiments with a Pratt & Whitney turbine fitted to chassis which had also 4WD.

Power range 390 to 500 hp, turbos 500 to 900 in race, in qualifiying up to 1500 hp

[edit] 1987-1988

3.5 L formula / 1.5 L turbo

FIA regulations limited boost pressure for two seasons before the eventual ban of forced induction.

Power estimates of 500-800bhp

[edit] 1989-1994

3.5 L formula.

Power range up to 750 hp

[edit] 1995-2004

3.0 L formula.

Power range 650 to 950 hp

[edit] 2005

3.0 L V10, Engine may have no more than 5 valves per cylinder[2]

[edit] 2006

For 2006, the engines must be 90° V8 of 2.4 litres maximum capacity with a 98 mm maximum circular bore, which imply a 39.7 mm minimum stroke. They have two inlet and two exhaust circular valves per cylinder, are normally-aspirated and must have a 95 kg minimum weight. Previous year's engines with a rev-limiter are permitted for 2006 and 2007 for teams who can't obtain a competitive V8.

Pre-cooling air before it enters the cylinders, injection of any substance other than air and fuel into the cylinders, variable-geometry intake and exhaust systems, variable valve timing are forbidden. Each cylinder can have only one fuel injector and a single plug spark ignition. Separate starting devices are used to start engines in the pits and on the grid.

The crankcase and cylinder block must be made of cast or wrought aluminium alloys. The crankshaft and camshafts must be made from an iron alloy, pistons from an aluminium alloy and valves from alloys based on iron, nickel, cobalt or titanium. The complete rules are available from the FIA Formula One world championship regulations. [3]

This is leading to a power reduction of around 20% from the three litre engines. For example, Toyota F1 announces an approximately 740 hp output at 19000 rpm in its new RVX-06 engine [4], but real figures are of course difficult to obtain.

[edit] References

  1. ^ F1 Engine Power Secrets, Ian Bamsey, June 2000 RACER magazine
  2. ^ FIA 2005 Regulations, 2005 Formula One technical regulations (pdf)
  3. ^ 2006 Formula One technical regulations (pdf), chapter five, 15 december 2005
  4. ^ TOYOTA F1 technologies, TF106 Specification, 14 january 2006
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