IRL Downgrades New Engines Even Further

[cosworth151]

It goes from bad to worse.

The IRL has announce that the 2012 engine downgrade will be even worse than originally stated. The new engines will be reduced even further, all the way down to 134 c.i.d. (2.2 liters).

While far less desirable than the V8 engines that allowed the IRL to defeat C.A.R.T., the new engines will be slightly larger than those in the Soap Box Derby series.

http://www.racer.com/tony-cotman-offers-2012-indycar-technical-update/article/194132/?DCMP=EMC-RACER_DAILY

[Jericoke]

I get the feeling that in both the case of IRL and F1 that the engine suppliers (the parent companies that stamp their logo on the final product in the name of R&D) are in complete control of what engines both series are using.

I don't see why they bother otherwise.

It's got to suck when a top flight sport can only pick what's on the shelf.  How many other 'partners' are going to sense this weakness, and start offering 'take it or leave it' deals?

[lkjohnson1950]

They are going to be severely limiting these engines if a 2.2 liter is only going to produce 750 BHP. They are capable of much more, I would expect an unlimited 2.2 liter turbo to make 1400-1500 BHP! That level of power will not be enough to prevent them from running flat out at INDY unless they drastically reduce the down force.

Lonhy