The Mercedes Turbo V6 soon to be tested
Mercedes should soon conduct the first test of its V6 turbo engine, which will be used in Formula 1 starting in 2014.
Starting in 2014, Formula 1 cars will be powered by a V6 turbo engine. Engine manufacturers have been working on this concept for several months already, and Mercedes is expected to conduct the first tests of its engine on a test bench according to Autosport.
Sources within the German manufacturer have confirmed that the first version of the F1 engine for 2014 should be ready shortly. Mercedes also believes that the sound, which had been a source of contention for the introduction of a V6, should not be a problem.
« The engines rev high. You don’t have the maximum fuel flow until you are above 10,500 RPM, and the engine goes up to a maximum of 15,000 RPM. With six pipes going into a single turbo, a single exhaust for six cylinders that can reach 15,000 RPM, I think the sound should be quite good, » said Andy Cowell, the Director of Engineering at Mercedes-Benz.
The return of a possible development war between engine manufacturers had been mentioned, but according to Mercedes, that should not be the case as the regulations are sufficiently well-crafted to prevent costs from exploding.
The FIA, in concert with the manufacturers, has done a very good job. Many things have been predefined so that you do not spend money to develop it – you know there is only one turbo, so it makes things much easier. This is the greatest achievement of this new regulation, Thomas Fuhr, one of the heads of Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, stated.
It is highly likely that Renault, Ferrari, and probably Cosworth are also working on their turbo V6 engine for 2014. Other engine manufacturers might also be considering a turbo V6 unit to make their debut or return to F1 in 2014, such as Honda, Audi, or Porsche, although none have confirmed a real interest in F1 at the moment.
