Paris air show at le Bourget: Renault presents iits innovative new poer unit designed to the new technical regulations to be used in the F1 championship from 2014 owards. The new generation power unit is offically name Renault Energy F1 Reflecting synergies with the pioneering fuel efficient energy engine range used in Renault road cars. The race-intent power unit recaled for the first time demostrates a radical leap in Formula 1 powertrain techonology, achieving groundbreaking fuel efficency from its direct injection turbocharged engine allied to cuttinf edge energy reecovery systems and electrification.
In 2014 Formula 1 will enter a new era. After three years of planning and development, the most significant technical change to hit the sport in more than two decades is introduced. Engine regulations form the major part of the coming revolution, with the introduction of a new generation of Power Units that combine a 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged engine with energy recovery systems that will dramatically increase efficiency by harvesting energy dissipated as heat in the exhaust or brakes.
The maximum power of the new Power Unit will exceed the output of current V8 F1 engines however fuel efficiency will be radically improved. With only 100kg permitted for the race, the new units will use 35% less fuel than their predecessors.
“From 2014 we will bring engines to the fore and redress the balance in F1. An engine is the heart of a car, from next year it returns to the heart of our sport.”
Alain Prost, Renault ambassador and four-times Formula 1 World Champion
For several years, Renault has used its racing know-how to develop fuel efficient engines for road cars, notably its Energy range. The objectives are clear: maintain or improve driving pleasure, vitality and acceleration with downsized engines to achieve lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Renault has employed these principles in developing the F1 Power Unit, creating a complete, and genuine, circular development process between road and track.
For these reasons, Renault has named the F1 Power Unit series ‘Energy F1’; clearly illustrating that the F1 Power Unit shares the same DNA as its road-going cousins.
“From next year, one of greatest challenges in F1 will be to maximize energy efficiency and fuel economy while maintaining the power output and performance expected of F1 cars. Renault has pioneered this technology in its road car engine range with the Energy series. Naming the Power Unit Energy F1 creates an unbroken range, from the Clio through to our competition department.”
Jean-Michel Jalinier, President of Renault Sport F1