Johnny99
Legacy Member
BAR’s engine partner Honda has produced an uprated power unit for its home grand prix at Suzuka this weekend.
The latest development of the RA004E V10 is believed to develop a staggering 960 HP, making it the most powerful engine in Formula 1. It uses advanced metal matrix composite (MMC) components to increase revs and consequently horsepower.
Honda’s F1 project leader Takeo Kiuchi believes the power output of F1 cars could exceed the magic 1,000 HP threshold next season.
“It’s within reach,” he told Autosport. “That level will not be easy - there are several difficulties to conquer first. But it could be possible.”
The most powerful engines in Formula 1 history were the fire-breathing monsters of the turbo era, with qualifying-spec BMWs and Hondas nudging 1,400 HP in 1986 before regulations to control boost pressure were introduced.
Honda has taken a quantum leap forward in the past year, and is now widely regarded as a match for the likes of BMW and Ferrari in the power stakes. Kiuchi says he expects his company to set the benchmark in 2005.
“I think we will have the number one engine next year,” he said. “The gap between this year’s engine and next year’s is bigger than between this year’s and last year’s.”
The Suzuka-spec engine represents an estimated gain of 8 HP on the unit used in Shanghai, where Jenson Button finished a competitive second. Button and local hero Takuma Sato hope it will help them carry the fight to Ferrari in this weekend’s race, which is the BAR team’s 100th since joining Formula 1 in 1999.
Johnny C/P
The latest development of the RA004E V10 is believed to develop a staggering 960 HP, making it the most powerful engine in Formula 1. It uses advanced metal matrix composite (MMC) components to increase revs and consequently horsepower.
Honda’s F1 project leader Takeo Kiuchi believes the power output of F1 cars could exceed the magic 1,000 HP threshold next season.
“It’s within reach,” he told Autosport. “That level will not be easy - there are several difficulties to conquer first. But it could be possible.”
The most powerful engines in Formula 1 history were the fire-breathing monsters of the turbo era, with qualifying-spec BMWs and Hondas nudging 1,400 HP in 1986 before regulations to control boost pressure were introduced.
Honda has taken a quantum leap forward in the past year, and is now widely regarded as a match for the likes of BMW and Ferrari in the power stakes. Kiuchi says he expects his company to set the benchmark in 2005.
“I think we will have the number one engine next year,” he said. “The gap between this year’s engine and next year’s is bigger than between this year’s and last year’s.”
The Suzuka-spec engine represents an estimated gain of 8 HP on the unit used in Shanghai, where Jenson Button finished a competitive second. Button and local hero Takuma Sato hope it will help them carry the fight to Ferrari in this weekend’s race, which is the BAR team’s 100th since joining Formula 1 in 1999.
Johnny C/P
