It is 2014 and this marks the start of the brave new world of the 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 engines with their electrical/turbo compounding systems in F1. Great, at last we're getting rid of those torque-less V8's (in my opinion, those gutless V8's in dry conditions were too easy to drive, hence why so many processional dry weather races over the years). However, reading the regulations on the FIA website, it specifies that the vee angle is fixed at 90 degrees and that only a single turbocharger can be used. Eh????, Isn't the optimum angles of any V6 engine (forced induction or not) either 120 degrees (as used by Ferrari in the early 80s with which they won the constructors championship consecutively in 1982/83) or, realistically for tight packaging into today's F1, a 60 degree angle? By angling the V6 at 60 degrees, you can use a 3-throw crankshaft with flying arms between the crankpins, giving the engine 120 degree separation required but also acts with a counterweight to eliminate any secondary imbalance - and therefore better smoothness and less uneven firing order. Using a 90 degree V6 gives the V6 format a lot more vibration than a 60 degree V6. I know you can eliminate some of the vibration by using off-set split crankpins on the crankshaft as well as balance shafts, but these add considerably more weight and power sapping friction which makes the unit considerable less efficient than a 60 degree V6. Also, wouldn't a V6 at 60 degrees have better aero-balance as it is narrower, therefore with less frontal area and better underbody downforce exploitation possible?
Another issue is the one of why only a single turbocharger? Surely with any V configuration it is better to have two turbochargers, one on each bank of clyinders, to give better response, as well as much more linear, progressive torque curve. Also, if one turbo failed, at least there is still the possibility of continuing (possibly) with the single forced induction, where as if these single turbo V6 units fail, race over for the driver. Also twin turbochargers is much less "startling" for the block, again, giving a smoother, more progressive power and torque output. It does seem to me that these slightly odd engine regulations over Vee angles and single turbo's are going to cause a lot of vibration problems for both cars and drivers.........
Comments welcome, if you can enlighten me, please do!