Scott Evil

I have seen hints and rumors for the past six months on what kind of motors will power open wheel racing in the US starting in 2011. Honda will continue to supply engines, however the formula will be vastly different.

from motorsport.com...

"...the series looks to these new specifications for the power plants of the cars: 4-stroke engines with reciprocating pistons, engine capacity not exceeding 2.0 liters, dual-overhead cam shaft with 4 valves per cylinder, single turbo charger and direct injection systems, while continuing to expand on alternative fuel use."

RACER magazine is hinting at a 1.6 liter motor in their May issue.

With this said, the manufacturers who are actively meeting with Indycar include Audi/Porsche/VW and Fiat/Alfa Romeo/Ferrari (no domestic names mentioned--but who is surprised).

Porsche and Alfa have both tried running in CART before with dismal results and a wall of politics that forced Porsche out.

With Audi and Porsche both pulling out of ALMS, is there a clear shift in their focus? Along with VW, they are essentially a single entity and while it is pretty far fetched, a Porsche vs. Ferrari vs. Honda setup in Indycar would be rather cool.

Mchester

Kind of related to this... There was an article in Road and Track this month talking about the sustainability of racing and the possibility of a "World Racing Engine" spec. It's an interesting idea, but I think there are a ton of road blocks in the way to making it happen. See link below for the article.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...article_id=7929

pgarratt

13 engine manufacurers met with IRL to discuss this. Non auto manufs where also there, such as Judd and Cossie.

Popeye

Don't see Audi/VW involved unless Tony allows a diesel;as far as Ferrari, wasn't the 50's the last time they raced a 4cyl engine ?

GM's Ecotech might be a strong entry if they are around and maybe a Ford/Mazda/Cosworth deal

Hmmmm maybe Subie boxer 4 to get the CG down low in the chassis

Scott Evil

Alternative Fuels are part of the formula, so I assume Diesel is an option. I suppose Judd, AER, Cosworth, etc. will be the primary engine builders, but they will do it with a manufacturer. Honda wants to race your neighbor's car brand.