Topic: Will There Be A "World Engine" In Racing? If So, VW Wants To Build It.

[MG]

From Edmunds.com Inside Line.


Volkswagen May Want to Supply F1 "World Engine"

Published May 4, 2010

   
WOLFSBURG, Germany — Formula 1's plans for technical rules in 2013 and beyond remain unclear, but the adoption of a "world engine" concept is said to have piqued the interest of Volkswagen. VW Motorsport Director Hans-Joachim Stuck emphasizes that the company is not interested in fielding a works team in the manner of Mercedes, with its acquisition of Brawn GP, or Ferrari, but rather as an engine supplier.

"We are waiting for the FIA's decision in respect of the use of a world engine for Formula 1," Stuck told Auto Bild magazine. "If there is [a world engine], we will discuss whether to build it for Formula 1."

The "world engine" refers to an item that is not purpose-built strictly for one form but is applicable across multiple types of racing. Speculation about the next-generation F1 engine revolves around a small (approximately 1.5-liter) inline four-cylinder with turbocharger and an upgraded version of the KERS energy-recovery technology utilized last year in an experimental capacity with the series' 2.4-liter normally aspirated V8s.

None of the manufacturers presently competing in F1 have expressed support for the world engine concept.

Stuck attended the 2009 NASCAR season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, fueling speculation about a VW entry into the American stock car racing series on the heels of Toyota. Stuck also addressed an interest in the IRL IndyCar Series and the Grand Am sports-car series, operated by NASCAR's France family.

Inside Line says: The future of various forms of auto racing will be determined by decisions being made now and in the coming year or two. Will there be radical change, or will a more conservative evolution occur? Stay tuned. — David Green, Correspondent

[Ultra]

Ferrari won't be in F1 unless they build their own motors.  This will never happen.

[Bezor]

This rumor has been living for a few months now.

Viewed from a development perspective, I don't think this will happen as suppliers and factory teams will be shut out.

Taken from a "show" perspective the standardization of the formula might be a benefit (ala NASCAR).

From my perspective, I enjoy innovation and creative thinking to solve whatever "problem" shows up.  Nevertheless, an "open platform" hasn't really existed in F1 for many, many years.

[DeAutogids.nl]

Since Audi started doing Le Mans, this rumour will not die. I suppose it will only happen if they will introduce diesel F1.

[MG]

Ultra is right, of course. Ferrari will ALWAYS build their own engines. Period. Full Stop.

As to the innovation thing that Bezor and DeA speak of, that is a dilemma waiting to happen. On one hand, I would love to see some team bring a tri-turbo Y-9 running on carrot juice to the sport. Shades of Andy Granitelli and his turbine powered, all wheel drive Indy car!    That would be good!   

On the other hand, if the sport comes down to simply who can spend the most money, that would be bad.   

If the sport were more "relevant", that would be good. 

But if the cars are electric powered and just whisper around the track, that would be bad. 

In other words, the sport will probably continue to muddle along in its own little fantasy world as long as their are enough sponsors to pay for it all. Whether this is good or bad for the fans? Time will tell.......

[Bezor]

Since Audi started doing Le Mans, this rumour will not die. I suppose it will only happen if they will introduce diesel F1.

VAG, BMW and Merc all have strong Diesel development. 

Ferrari does not.  Though I wouldn't think it would take much for them to get on the front page for this type of motor.  Nevertheless, Diesel is antithetical to Ferrari. 

[DeAutogids.nl]

Since Audi started doing Le Mans, this rumour will not die. I suppose it will only happen if they will introduce diesel F1.

VAG, BMW and Merc all have strong Diesel development. 

Ferrari does not.  Though I wouldn't think it would take much for them to get on the front page for this type of motor.  Nevertheless, Diesel is antithetical to Ferrari. 

I am saying that I believe that VAG will only do F1 if they can showcase diesel. Just my opinion.

[Bezor]

Since Audi started doing Le Mans, this rumour will not die. I suppose it will only happen if they will introduce diesel F1.

VAG, BMW and Merc all have strong Diesel development. 

Ferrari does not.  Though I wouldn't think it would take much for them to get on the front page for this type of motor.  Nevertheless, Diesel is antithetical to Ferrari. 

I am saying that I believe that VAG will only do F1 if they can showcase diesel. Just my opinion.

I'd go along with that.