F1 teams play musical engines as Cosworth emerges the favorite for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ilmor Engineering builds a five-stroke engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Cosworth wins FIA standard engine tender for 2010

Cosworth wins FIA standard engine tender for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

After two decades of normally-aspirated high-revving engines shoehorned under the hoods of its M cars, BMW is changing direction and will begin to offer direct-injection turbocharged powerplants in its future high-performance flagships. The German automaker is blaming tough environmental emission standards and the soaring manufacturing costs of the specialty-built V8 and V10 engines found in today's M3, M5, and M6 models for its decision. We also suspect the fact that both Audi and Mercedes-Benz have successfully offered torque-laden forced-induction powerplants for years on their performance models may have something to do with it (also keep in mind that an aftermarket-tuned version of BMW's own twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 can easily match the power output of the M3's normally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8). The first new M model to carry the turbocharged honor will be the X6 xDrive M, with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 reportedly making 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That same engine is reportedly going into the next F10-chassis M5 due in late 2010.

[Source: Autoweek]

BMW switching to turbocharged M cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In a move that will help both ailing automakers, General Motors and Ford are holding discussions about sharing engine and powertrain technologies. Although neither company will officially acknowledge the liaisons, the meetings have been going on for more than a month, according to sources. Engine and powertrain development costs are significant -- an entirely new engine could cost $1 billion, while a transmission could cost upwards of $800 million -- so splitting those costs offers substantial savings to both companies. In addition to the financial incentives, technology sharing would open doors that otherwise would have remained shut (e.g., GM sharing Volt technology with Ford). This wouldn't be the first time the two competitors have climbed in the sack together... years ago, they successfully partnered on a six-speed automatic transmission that is widely used by both companies today.

This rumor definitely makes for a fun what-if game. If these discussions bear fruit, what engines would you like shared across the aisle? A Vortech V8-powered F-150 or an LS9 Mustang GT500? How about a Malibu powered by a twin-turbo DI Ecoboost V6?

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford, GM considering joint engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While word isn't official, Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of the R&D and Corporate Product Planning and Strategy Divisions of Hyundai-Kia Motors, told Automobile Magazine that he had been approached by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG, at the Beijing Auto Show about partnering on a four-cylinder powerplant. Dr. Lee didn't disclose the rest of the conversation, but he did add, "I am not sure we want to share our technology." With the hot Genesis Coupe and luxurious Genesis Sedan ready to roll, and distinguished Mercedes-Benz knocking on the front door, it appears Hyundai's hard work is paying off.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Hyundai exec talks engine sharing with Mercedes-Benz originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 May 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The "International Engine of the Year Award" is a big deal as far as bragging rights go in this industry. Think of it like the Academy Awards for engines. However, instead of members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voting, you have 62 renowned motoring journalists, from 30 countries, casting ballots for their favorite fossil fuel burner.

Last year's winner (pictured above) was BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6. This year's list of nominees includes Nissan's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 (found in the Nissan GT-R), Mitsubishi' 2.0-liter twin-turbo I4 (Mitsubishi EVO X), Audi's 5.2-liter V10 (Audi S8), Chevrolet's 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (Corvette ZR1), and BMW's 4.0-liter V8 (BMW M3). Let's sit back and listen to the orchestra for a bit... the winners don't get announced until May 7, at Engine Expo 2008, in Stuttgart, Germany.

2008 International Engine of the Year Award nominees announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Word out of Frankfurt from the Financial Times Deutschland is that BMW is in talks to sell engines and transmissions to both General Motors and Fiat. All three companies have declined to officially comment.

The news is interesting, but not surprising. You may recall that GM has been selling transmissions to BMW for well over a decade for use in various 3 Series and 5 Series models (the current BMW 328i automatic uses a 6-speed GM 6L45 unit). So far, however, all have been automatic transmissions.

Speculating about the details, our tipster suggests that BMW may be helping GM with their SMG-style transmission program. As for the engines? It is possible that BMW could be selling its 4.4L V8 for the Cadillac line or lending GM a twin-turbo to compete with Ford's twin-turbo direct-injected V6? Thanks for the tip Brad!

[Source: Automotive News Europe, subs. req'd]

BMW may sell engines and transmissions to GM and Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2007 Range Rover Supercharged

Land Rover developing new 5.0-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Volkswagen has been in a marketing and sales funk here in the U.S. over the past few years, but the German automaker plans to drastically change that in the coming decade. A big part of VW's North American growth plan is a brand new plant in South Carolina (actual plant location has yet to be announced) scheduled to begin operation in about three years time, and to get powertrain supplies to the factory, VW is going to build both an engine and a transmission plant somewhere on this continent. Neither Canada or Mexico have been ruled out as potential locations, and Volkswagen USA CEO Stefan Jacoby told the Automotive World Congress that the company needs to localize the plants to be competitive.

VW would like to grow its sales volume in North America to around 800,000 units per year, and a state of-the-art plant in the union-less South will help the German automaker sell vehicles without worrying about fluctuating currencies. Building up to three new plants in the States will give VW the volume it needs to succeed, and we're pretty sure the ability to slap "Made in the USA" on the bumper won't hurt much either.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

VW also planning engine, transmission plant in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: 427 Anniversary Big Block

Continue reading Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson

Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

At a meeting called by the FIA in Paris, the principals of each team agreed that a ten year ban was too long, but begun discussions on how costs could be curbed in the sport. Rather than continue imposing half-measures aimed at reducing costs, most of the teams agreed that the FIA should actually reduce costs by instituting an overall budget cap, as many had suggested... Autoblog included. Although Ferrari remains opposed to a budget cap, its former technical chief and now head honcho at Honda, Ross Brawn, has been a vocal proponent of the idea.

With the freeze now cut down to half, the FIA announced it would begin working on a new engine formula for the series. F1 has gone in the past couple of decades from turbo eights to V12s and then to V10s before arriving at the 2.4-liter V8s currently used. Insiders expect the next formula to be unveiled within two years' time and to be both more environmentally-friendly and more cost effective.

[Source: Autosport]

F1 engine ban reduced to 5 years, new formula expected within 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click on the image to view in high-resolution

In advance of its public unveiling at the Geneva show in March, and after releasing a teaser photo, Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary Skoda has additional photos and details on its upcoming new flagship.

The aptly-named Superb is based on the Volkswagen Passat platform, though stretched out to offer more space. Its range of features includes direction-changing headlights, a new electronic climate control system, and automatic parking assist. Compared with the model it replaces, the new Superb grows another 35mm longer and 18mm wider, but hunkers down 8mm lower and shrinks in wheelbase by 42mm, actually increasing the overhangs contrary to industry trends.

The Superb also wears its own unique bodywork and badging, but like all top-of-the-line Czech models, the best view is around back where the Skoda features a useful hatchback setup. Motivation comes from a range of six engine options - three gasoline and three diesels - topping out with a 260-hp 3.2-liter V6. A five- or six-speed manual will come standard depending on which engine is chosen, but the Superb will also have an available DSG twin-clutch transmission option.

Although the new Superb doesn't come across as the most exciting thing goin' down in Switzerland this coming March, it appears Skoda put together a surprisingly good package.

[Source: Skoda]

Gallery: 2008 Skoda Superb

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2008 Skoda Superb

Geneva Preview: 2008 Skoda Superb originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Next to a giant model of the Fiat 500 at the Bologna auto show last week, Martinelli, now Vice-President of Fiat Powertrain Technologies, took the wraps off of 420F3. Like sister-company Ferrari, which is working on the development of an engine for the A1GP racing series, Fiat will be offering the 420F3 engine to competitors in the Italian Formula 3 championship.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Continue reading Martinelli unveils Fiat's new Formula 3 engine

Martinelli unveils Fiat's new Formula 3 engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The World Motor Sport Council of the FIA, the international racing authority that governs Formula One, among other series, has rolled out a series of restrictions on the development of F1 cars starting with the coming 2008 season.

The restrictions include a complete freeze on engine development for the next ten years. In a speech delivered last week in Monaco at the Motor Sport Business Forum, FIA President Max Mosley (pictured at right) justified the decision by pointing out that the engines developed by F1's six engine suppliers - Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Honda, Toyota and Renault - are already evenly matched and incredibly advanced: "There is no need to develop an F1 engine any further." (Heck, let's go back to foot-powered Flinstones-mobiles then.)

The far-reaching restrictions also covered the use of wind-tunnels for the first time in the formula. The new regulations state that each team can only use one wind-tunnel, can only operate it for 15 runs per 8-hour day, no more than five days per week. Further limitations were set on how the wind-tunnel may be used, and to prevent teams from simply switching their personnel over to even more expensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulators, the FIA intends to put a cap on that, too.

Ross Brawn, former technical director at Ferrari and new team principal at Honda, recently pointed out that restrictions like these don't achieve their intended goal of reducing costs, they just force teams to find newer, more expensive ways to gain a performance edge. We'd have to agree with Brawn: you can't contain a competitive spirit, and F1's chock-full of 'em.

[Source: Autosport]

Try, try again: FIA puts further restrictions on F1, freezes engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ferrari engines have found there way into a variety of different cars - Lancias, Maserati, even the forthcoming A1GP racecar - but this has to be a first. Someone is shoehorning the V8 from the late, great Ferrari 360 Modena into a 1960 Nash Rambler wagon, of all things.

Dropping V8 powerhouses into classic family-haulers may be nothing new, but this is another matter altogether. To be fair, it's only the bodyshell of the original Rambler. Because the Maranello screamer was made for mid-mounting, Divers Street Rods turned to Art Morrison to craft a custom frame, over which the restored bodywork was fitted. The set-up should be somewhat familiar to fans of the previous-generation Renaultsport Clio V6 and the Volkswagen GTI-W12 showcar, but this wagon is decidedly different from one off-Ferrari "shooting-brakes" like the 250 GTO "Breadvan" and the Sultan of Brunei's 456GT Venice wagon.

Along with the engine, the rodders took from the Ferrari its suspension and, from the looks of it, its wheels, brakes and probably a number of other components for the custom Rambler. Because Ferrari isn't exactly Mopar and doesn't offer crate engines, the parts were taken from a wrecked Modena - unfortunately there are all too many donor cars lying around thanks to drivers with deep pockets but shallow driving talent pools.

We're promised a showing at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, and we'll be there, cameras at the ready to check out the finished product.

[Source: Carscoop]

Born a ramblin' man, reborn a stallion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Following the news that Ferrari was in discussions with A1GP, the international racing series has announced that the two racing outfits have signed a six-year contract with Maranello. The terms of the agreement have Ferrari supplying the V8 engines for all the national teams competing in the series starting the season after next, when the current deal with Lola and Zytek expires. In addition to powering the new cars, Ferrari will also consult on the design of the chassis, which will be built by an as-yet undisclosed third party.

The deal gives Ferrari a de facto feeder series of its own, not unlike Formula BMW and the GP2 series owned by Renault principal Flavio Briatore. A1GP chairman Tony Teixeira also announced the formation of a second, lower-rung regional series to be called A2GP - taking a possible similar relationship as the Atlantic series to Champ Cars - with which Ferrari will also collaborate, supplying detuned versions of the engine. The deal should give Ferrari a place to field up-and-coming younger drivers and bring in extra revenue, while lending the open-wheel series added prestige on the world motorsports stage.

Teixeira also confirmed earlier speculation that, after bowing out of the Spyker purchase, he is considering buying into Scuderia Toro Rosso. The Italian F1 team, currently owned by Red Bull and former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger, scored impressive fourth and sixth places in last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

[Source: Autosport and A1GP]

Ferrari and A1GP sign six-year deal, announce new A2GP series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ferrari is apparently running out of F1 teams to supply with engines, so it's looking to other racing series altogether for new customers. For the current season, the Maranello-based team had to have the rules bent so that they could supply their engines to not one but two additional teams on the grid (Spyker and Toro Rosso). No wonder then that half of the cars that finished in the points at this past weekend's penultimate Chinese Grand Prix were powered by Ferrari.

Like other single-seater racing series, A1GP, the self-described "world cup of motorsport", uses the same chassis and engines for all the teams. Lola and Zytek have been supplying the cars and power respectively, but with contracts up for renewal, rumors started to fly when Ferrari's sporting director Stefano Domenicali was seen at Silverstone during an A1GP test session. Ferrari has now confirmed that they're in negotiations with the series' organizers.

Rumor has it that the engine deal isn't the only thing A1GP chief Tony Teixeira is discussing with Ferrari, as insiders tip the South African businessman as a potential partner in Scuderia Toro Rosso, which would effectively become Ferrari's B-squad in the developing "super team" saga.

[Sources: F1i.com and autosport]

Ferrari negotiating engine deal with A1GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty

BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Under the hood of the Nissan GT-R: Engine details revealed

Under the hood of the Nissan GT-R: Engine details revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.