Could hybrid technology move into Formula 1?
We've already heard talk that Formula 1 officials have considered moving toward a diesel engine, now hybrids are the talk of the track. The Federation Internationale de L'Automobile, which hosts F1 racing, is considering using hybrid technology in the race cars. Toyota, which hasn't done very well since it entered F1 a few years ago, would play a strong role in such a move. A Toyota motorsports engineer said such a system would be different than the cars. Honda is also said to be developing a hybrid system capable of withstanding F1 demands on the track. While racing is the antithesis of any green movement, such a dogfight between Toyota and Honda over introducing hybrid technology on the track could turn out to be a blessing for consumer hybrids. The high-energy, high-spending, high-technology atmosphere of Formula 1 would trickle down quickly. Reaching 100mpg in normal driving may not be that far off.
Related:
[Source: Kazuo Teranishi / The Asahi Shimbun]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Turbofrog 4:20PM (4/17/2007)
I certainly hope it happens. Formula 1 and other high-end racing series badly need to show that they can be relevant to producing better passenger cars, and the most important area to improve now is economy and emissions. A few billion dollars of R&D injection from a half-dozen F1 teams is just what the green tech movement needs.
Reply
rg 5:40PM (4/17/2007)
F1 is not about being relevant to passenger cars. Technically that was always the intent with stock car racing which is at the complete opposite end of the racing spectrum. It's about entertainment and showcasing the most advanced racing vehicles in the world. It's not about showcasing future street car technology although if it does end up with a trckle down effect then great.
F1 would not be the same without the high screaming banshee wail that is the epitome of high performance. Nothing can match that sound. It's purely sonorous. An orgasm for the ears. I don't feel the same about any hybrids or diesels. The sound alone is half of the F1 appeal. It's a part of the experience. Bring diesels or hybrids into the mix and you've completely killed F1. Take those to the LeMans series. Those series are based on multiple classes and car technologies competing against each other. F1 needs to continue on the road it's on. They don't need to be slowed down and they don't need to be made greener just for the sake of being made greener. That would absolutely kill F1. Aside from a few environmentalist race fans out there, most will not accept a change this drastic and they shouldn't have to. I'm not saying I have anything against hybrid technology or diesels. Not at all. I'm looking forward to their future. I just don't want to see F1 ruined because someone thought we should get away from tradition to embrace a layout that would be more appropriately applied elsewhere to racing.
Reply
John A 7:16PM (4/17/2007)
F1 has little choice but to green up. The day will come when racing will be considered an unacceptable 'waste' of resources. And its not that far off. F1's top people know this. We are talking about races run in the same countries that are on the verge of not allowing 'ineffficient' cars to even be produced on their soil. ( http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/03/06/new-european-co2-standards-may-force-porsche-production-out-of-t/ ) It is not a leap to imagine these countries also deciding that racing gives the wrong message about truly trying to clean up their act. Just look at the restrictions these same countries have put on tobacco advertising. I have watched or traveled to every F1 race for the past 12 years, but I love the idea of F1 going green. F1 is not just about the sounds to me. It's about innovation. Think of 6 wheeled cars ( http://www.f1nutter.co.uk/tech/6wheels.php )
or venturi / vacuum ground effects. It's about exciting racing.
Reply
Chris M 12:39AM (4/18/2007)
Formula 1 used to be about the most advanced automotive designs and technology, but several years back, someone brought out a hybrid F1 racer that could outperform everything else, yet got better fuel milage meaning fewer pitstops.
The other F1 companies complained loudly, so the rules were changed to ban hybrids and freeze the technology into a 1990's style. The result is that F1 racing is slowly sliding into obsolescense, and unless they re-open innovation, F1 racing will eventually grind to a halt.
Reply
MikeW 6:41PM (4/18/2007)
Seeing as they just said 'NO' to traction integration systems. There will be no way that hybrid technology will be added.
Reply