RS26 V8 Technical Specifications

By Renault F1
November 13 2006

RS26 V8 Technical Specifications

Capacity 2400 cc
Architecture 90° V8
Weight 95 kg
Spark plugs Champion
ECU Magneti Marelli Step 11
Fuel- Elf
Oil- Elf
Battery- Renault F1 Team

Optimum integration in the R26 chassis for improved stiffness and packaging.
Reliability of more than 1200 km for life cycle of two race weekends.

Engine Regulation Changes

The 2006 technical regulations have been framed to cut performance in the interests of safety, and in the medium term, limit both costs and the potential for performance increases.

The points below represent the principal changes to the Technical Regulations:

5.1.2 Subject only to Article 5.2, engine capacity must not exceed 2400 cc.

5.1.4 All engines must have 8 cylinders arranged in a 90º “V” configuration and the
normal section of each cylinder must be circular.

5.1.5 Engines must have two inlet and two exhaust valves per cylinder.
Only reciprocating poppet valves are permitted.
The sealing interface between the moving valve component and the stationary
engine component must be circular.

5.4.1 Cylinder bore diameter may not exceed 98mm.

5.4.2 Cylinder spacing must be fixed at 106.5mm (+/- 0.2mm).

5.4.3 The crankshaft centreline must not be less than 58mm above the reference
plane.

5.5.1 The overall weight of the engine must be a minimum of 95kg.

5.5.2 The centre of gravity of the engine may not lie less than 165mm above the
reference plane.

5.6.1 Variable geometry inlet systems are not permitted.

5.6.2 Variable geometry exhaust systems are not permitted.

5.6.3 Variable valve timing and variable valve lift systems are not permitted.

5.7.1 The pressure of the fuel supplied to the injectors may not exceed 100 bar.
Sensors must be fitted which directly measure the pressure of the fuel supplied to
the injectors, these signals must be supplied to the FIA data logger.
The regulations also impose the use of specific materials and limit their stiffness. Forexample:
Pistons must be produced from an aluminium-based alloy.
Crankshafts must be produced from an iron-based alloy.
Camshafts must be produced from an iron-based alloy and must be made from a single
piece of metal.
Crankcases and cylinder heads must be produced from an aluminum-based alloy.
Magnesium based alloys, MMC (Metal Matrix Composites), Intermetallic materials and
alloys containing more than 5% of beryllium, iridium and rhenium are forbidden.

The consequences for the Renault RS26 V8
- The 90° architecture imposed by the regulations, represents a change relative to
the 72° V10 used by Renault in 2004 and 2005.
- For the first time, engine minimum weight and the position of the centre of gravity are specified in the rules. The regulation minimum weight limit is 95kg.

Renault
F1 Team has worked intensively between Enstone and Viry to integrate this new
constraint. The RS26 is designed to conform with the new rules.

- There is a power loss relative to the V10 used in 2005 of approximately 20%
proportional to the reduction in engine capacity. The elimination of variable
trumpets degrades the power delivery and the width of the power curve. This is
the starting point for 2.4L V8 performance development.
- The narrower power band and reduced power will oblige the drivers to be closer
to the rev limit more of the time: according to the nature of the circuit, the average revs will be 300 or 400 rpm closer to maximum revs..
- The time spent at full throttle will also increase relative to 2005, owing to the
reduced power levels combined with improved aero performance and better tyre
grip.
- Vibrations are often mentioned in connection with the V8. A distinction must be
made between internal and external vibrations. The first concern primarily the
torsional vibrations of the engine’s internal moving parts. These are fundamental
to engine development, and they can depend on factors such as the firing order.
The external vibrations are partly a consequence of the internal vibrations, and
can be minimised according to how the crankshaft is balanced. In the car,
external vibrations are those felt by the chassis components and the driver.
- In order to use the available power in an optimum fashion, Renault will use a 7-
speed gearbox for the first time.
- Had the V8 engines been used in an identical fashion to the V10, fuel
consumption would have reduced proportionally to the reduced engine capacity.
However, because the new engines will spend more time at higher revs and full
throttle, the reduction in fuel consumption will not be so great.