Since the Formula-one engine had to do without its turbocharger, it can now only count on the performance producing RPMs. In 2006 the 20,000 RPM mark was slowly being approached. How otherwise, when one wants, from a 3 liter motor, perhaps up to 1000 HP (736 kW). With 10 cylinders, each having 300 cm ³, it seems to work. Because of the new regulations that limit the bore to 98 mm, one had now, to assume even higher values. A stroke/bore ratio of 0.4, accordingly a stroke of about 40 mm, is the result. Even with this short stroke, an almost breathtaking 27 m/s of average piston speed is attained. Then, by the way, the piston consists, for reasons of weight, almost solely of the piston ring area.

The engine is controlled by 4 camshafts and 40 valves, which are not returned to their seats by steel springs, but through rubber-air bellows. An open electronic fuel injection and especially effectively formed exhaust pipes, round up the impression that we get from the above figure. The possibility of a further increase in performance lies in the petrol direct injection and the variable compression. By the way, the torque which many drivers so respect, is actually rather modest - as one can see, by the relatively small multi-disc dry clutch. Just about 350 Nm at nominal RPMs will probably not be exceeded substantially in the near future. 06/09