Let's say the rules get changed and current F1 engines are all replaced by spec, sub-7000 RPM, NA 6.2L AMG-Mercedes / GM's LS7 V8 motors. These larger displacement V8 engines will have ~2.5 times more torque compared to current 2.4L F1 engines, but power (say massaged and equalized to 600 bhp) would be 200 horses short of current high rev V8s? Let us also assume (play along) that the overall weight of the car doesn't change. Same Bridgestone tires and everything else, too.
Now, comapred to 2009 F1 cars:
- What changes will the teams have to make to the gear ratios? Lots of torque, but not as much bhp as earlier. Will the seven gear ratios be spaced out more? Closer?
- Will it be more challenging for drivers to avoid wheelspin? Particularly in the first few gears?
- How much will the 'top-speed-at-the-end-of-a-straight' change? Let us take the start-finish straight of Sepang as an example.
- How and how much do you see the laptimes changing? Is it possible for these hypothetical F1 cars to be quicker around some circuits (Monaco?) but slower on 'power tracks' like Spa? Or will these new cars be slower than 2009 cars on all tracks?
- Will the torquier engines give these cars an advantage when accelerating through a certain speed range? I mean, will they take less time while accelerating from 100 to 200 km/h compared to their 2.4L versions?