Renault's Revolutionary F1 Engine Proves Eco Sounds Epic

Renault have unveiled the engine that they hope will power their teams to victory in next season's Formula 1 Championship.

In line with regulation changes that come into effect for the 2014 season, this new 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine is a radical redesign, marking a huge reduction in displacement from the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre V8s that power the current cars. It also features tons of eco technology that'll keep the FIA happy as they attempt to make their halo motorsport series more relevant to today's consumers.

Despite the downsizing, the new engines will be more powerful than the current V8. As a starting point, the V6 has 600bhp, but a further 160bhp comes from the electrical motors powered by engine recovery systems. These systems, commonly referred to as KERS, are now twice as powerful. Using recovered heat and kinetic energy, it will either store the energy for later use or, if the car is accelerating, immediately provide power to a motor unit attached to the engine providing extra oomph.

Image via letstalkf1.com

Renault are keen to point out the links to their current range of engines, and with 1.6-litre turbos becoming standard in the hot hatch world it'll be interesting to see what technology trickles down to the next RenaultSport road cars. For the time being, it's the eco-friendly 'Energy' range that's getting all the attention. With 2014's F1 regulations stating that teams cannot use more than 100kgs of fuel on race day, the F1 engine must be 35% more fuel efficient.

Probably the biggest concern F1 fans have had is the potentially dull sound a turbo engine produces. Formula 1's historic wailing engines will be a thing of the past, but Rob White, Deputy Managing Director (technical) at Renault Sport F1 believes we have nothing to worry about. While he admits that the noise is dampened somewhat by the turbo, "the engines remain high revving, ultra high output competition engines. Fundamentally the engine noise will still be loud. It will wake you from sleep, and circuit neighbours will still complain." Simply put, it's not worse, just different - as the video above demonstrates.

Despite the concerned frowns on the faces of many a Formula 1 fan we should welcome these changes. While it's a shame that not even F1 can escape the clutches of downsizing, the regulations provide an appropriate challenge to some of the most intelligent, insanely talented engineers in the world. As for us lot, more relevant engines that provide trickle down tech can only be a good thing - imagine the next Clio RS with 250bhp, KERS for last-ditch back road overtaking manoeuvres and 60mpg.

RenaultSport, we're waiting...