http://www.motorsport-total.com/usracing/news/2008/08/Porsche_denkt_ueber_IndyCar-Einstieg_nach_08083103.html

Note Article in German

That is great, if true...


It only took 18 years for them to forget the vigerous rogering that CART delivered to get them to go away in the first place.

It's amazing Walker even hung in there.... good man.

Supposedly Porsche wasn't at the first meeting, so this would be a surprise. Wonder if the Audi/VW reps at the first meeting also were representing Porsche? Porsche owns 30% of the VW group.

I'd guess if they get in, they'd nab Penske as their flagship team, since they already have a relationship with them in ALMS.

taking that in conjunction with the article on indycar's website about a common engine formula with another series, i think that would be a strong hint that the next indycar engine formula will be ACO LMP1-compatible...

marshallbanana - 01 September 2008 09:02 AM

taking that in conjunction with the article on indycar's website about a common engine formula with another series, i think that would be a strong hint that the next indycar engine formula will be ACO LMP1-compatible...

I thought the IRL had narrowed down its choices to a 4 or 6 cylinder turbo configuration. That wouldn't be compatible with P1, as it stands now anyway. I haven't looked at the P2 rules lately. What does that class allow? I know the current Honda P2 engine is similar to (but not a copy of) the Honda IRL engine.

Porsche's takeover of VAG should be complete soon. I don't read German so I have no idea what the article says. But since there were VAG representatives at the roundtable, I suppose anything is possible.

Jag_Warrior - 01 September 2008 11:01 AM

marshallbanana - 01 September 2008 09:02 AM

taking that in conjunction with the article on indycar's website about a common engine formula with another series, i think that would be a strong hint that the next indycar engine formula will be ACO LMP1-compatible...

I thought the IRL had narrowed down its choices to a 4 or 6 cylinder turbo configuration. That wouldn't be compatible with P1, as it stands now anyway. I haven't looked at the P2 rules lately. What does that class allow? I know the current Honda P2 engine is similar to (but not a copy of) the Honda IRL engine.

Porsche's takeover of VAG should be complete soon. I don't read German so I have no idea what the article says. But since there were VAG representatives at the roundtable, I suppose anything is possible.

as i understand it, LMP1 allows up to 4.0 litre turbo charged motors. a 3.4 litre or 3.0 litre v6 with twin turbos (which has been mentioned as a possibility) would be ACO legal, and work as an indycar motor.

LMP2 is 3.4 litres naturally aspirated with a maximum of 8 cylinders, or 2.0 litres with forced induction (single turbo) and a maximum of 4 cylinders.

honda's moving up to LMP1 and will be devoting its resources to building a motor for that class. it would be an immense cost savings for honda to only need to develop 1 motor for both series...

CREANANDCRIMSON, I was wondering the same thing with Penske and Porsche. Especially since Porsche is parting ways in the ALMS with Penske. Could this be new partner ship in INDYCAR with the Captain once again getting a head start on everyone.

The notion of linking the engine specs to another series you have ZERO control over concerns me.

It's been a awhile since I read over the ACO rules. Here's a brief rundown that I found for 2008:

P1 - intended especially for manufacturers: minimum weight of 900 kg. Naturally-aspirated engines limited to 6000 cc. Turbochargers and superchargers allowed for gasoline engines with a maximum displacement of 4000 cc and for diesel engines with a maximum displacement of 5500 cc. No limits on the number of cylinders for any type of engine. Homologated production car engines (complying with LM GT1 regulations and at least 1000 units per year) allowed within the same limitations. Fuel tank size of 90 litres for gasoline and 81 litres for diesel engines. Wheel size (maximum diameter) of 28.5 inches and maximum width of 16 inches.

P2 - intended especially for privateers: minimum weight of 825 kg. Naturally-aspirated engines limited to 3400 cc with a maximum of eight cylinders and 4000 cc for homologated production car engines (complying with LM GT2 regulations and at least 1000 units per year). Turbocharging and supercharging (limited to only one single stage charging device) allowed for gasoline engines with a maximum displacement of 2000 cc and a maximum of six cylinders. In homologated production engines turbo/supercharging (two stage charging devices) is only allowed for diesels with a maximum displacement of 4400 cc (at least 10 000 units per year). Fuel tank size of 80 litres all type of engines. Wheel size (maximum diameter) of 28 inches and maximum width of 14 inches.

that's how i understood them. under those rules, a twin-turbo v6 or 4 cylinder motor of less than 4.0 litres would be legal. the question would be regarding what air-restrictors and boost levels would be permitted...

I just read in Car and Driver that Fiat is preparing to re-enter the American marketplace (initially with the Alpha Romeo brand). It seems to me that the Indycar Series and the Indianpolis 500 would be a great way for Fiat to reintroduce themselves.