The Turbos are coming . . . IRL 2011
8/25/08, 05:59 AM
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The Turbos are coming . . . IRL 2011
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...0107/808230418
Be a very nice platform for FMC's Ecoboost?!?!
SONOMA, Calif. -- The sweet sound of turbocharged engines is expected to return to Indy-car racing in 2011, officials said Friday at Infineon Raceway.
The plan to switch from the rougher-sounding normally aspirated V-8 engines -- used in the Indy Racing League since 1997 -- will be shared with industry executives during a meeting next month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
IRL presidents Brian Barnhart and Terry Angstadt said they expect auto manufacturers interested in participating in the series to embrace this decision because it was their consensus at a meeting in June.
The decision left to be made centers on engine size. Two are being considered, Barnhart said.
Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development, said the debate "is over four (cylinders) or six."
"But both of them include turbos," Barnhart said. "One of them includes twin turbos."
Turbocharged engines were the hallmark of the former Champ Car World Series. Extra power is gained from air forced through the engine.
The plan to switch from the rougher-sounding normally aspirated V-8 engines -- used in the Indy Racing League since 1997 -- will be shared with industry executives during a meeting next month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
IRL presidents Brian Barnhart and Terry Angstadt said they expect auto manufacturers interested in participating in the series to embrace this decision because it was their consensus at a meeting in June.
The decision left to be made centers on engine size. Two are being considered, Barnhart said.
Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development, said the debate "is over four (cylinders) or six."
"But both of them include turbos," Barnhart said. "One of them includes twin turbos."
Turbocharged engines were the hallmark of the former Champ Car World Series. Extra power is gained from air forced through the engine.
8/25/08, 02:10 PM
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http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...0107/808230418
Be a very nice platform for FMC's Ecoboost?!?!
Be a very nice platform for FMC's Ecoboost?!?!
8/25/08, 04:28 PM
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I think TG would welcome the Blue Oval (or any other manufacturer that has some money!) and while I don't think FMC will have the Blue Oval on the valve cover(s) I do think Mr. Mazda will get into the Indy game!
8/26/08, 11:05 AM
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Possible, but if the formula engine is a TTV6 there will be very compelling marketing reasons to keep it branded "Ford" to help sell EcoBoost. Mazda seems to do better with Sports Car series anyway.
8/26/08, 03:49 PM
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Mazda's already got a pretty decent open wheel ladder. Barber Mazda, Star Mazda, and Mazda Atlantics. Why not add one more step at the top of the ladder?
Then again, calling it an Ecoboost would make sense, too. I guess it comes down to which marketing department of what is for all intents and purposes the same company wants it more.
Then again, calling it an Ecoboost would make sense, too. I guess it comes down to which marketing department of what is for all intents and purposes the same company wants it more.
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