I found this very interesting paper (co-authored by Mario Theissen). Interesting to see that not only Ferrari and Toyota where exploring a return of the V12 engine in 1998-2001, but so was BMW until the FIA shut it down. The final bit is very interesting as well, that with the final version of their V8 they basically had the same engine power as they did 10 years earlier with their V10, despite losing 20% capacity and engine lifetime was increased fivefold. Another interesting bit is that because of sudden FIA interference, BMW didn't explore direct injection at all, this would've seen power increase also. I don't think it's too far-fetched that had F1 stuck with V10's through the V8 period, even with the 5x increase in engine life, the 1000bhp barrier would've easily been broken, let alone had the FIA allowed more than 100 bar fuel pressure so that direct injection would've been worth it. The engine weight even today astonishes me. 82 kg for a 950bhp V10 that lasted 1600km. 69kg possible for the V8 if it was allowed! http://sd-2.archive-host.com/membres/up/10237196789579146/moteurs_BMW_F1.pdf
Great paper - thanks! Didn't realize they had cylinder bore integral with the cylinder on the later engine. Not a new concept but just image the cylinder head machining complications.
I found the paper fascinating. I'm not the most technical guy but everything was explained so well. I'm always in awe of the 3 liter NA era. The way they ramped up the power from 2002-2005 is amazing. Imagine if the FIA didn't mandate V10's, but just kept it at 3 liters? I don't think the outcome in WDC/WCC would've been any different (given how much more Schumacher enjoyed driving with V12's, how he could manipulate the car better), but especially post 2002 when the packaging standard Ferrari set, we could probably have some really interesting concepts. I'm sure we would've seen a couple of very tight (for the time) V8 cars, and some utterly glorious V12's alongside the V10's...
Schumi only drove the 1995 V12 after his signing, before his first season using the new V10, yes? If I recall correctly he said he could have won the 95 championship in that car. As it was, it only won one race. Was never a fan of the V10s - preferred the high-revving V8s, but especially the v12s. The most vicious sounding V12 ever was the '94 Ferrari. I recall the sound it made exiting the "improvised" chicane on the front straight of the Montreal circuit - it was literally an assault on the senses! Still regarding V10s, I still remember Irvine (coming form a Peugeot-powered Jordan in 1995) on his first test with the V10 powered Ferrari in '96 describing the engine as "just another V10", ha-ha.
Schumi's exact words where (acknowledging that the Ferrari wasn't the best car, either) ''I could've won the title easier in this car''. Schumi quickly beat the pace of all Alesi/Berger and the test team within a few laps. He was able to use the torque and engine braking to manipulate the car much easier with the V12. I loved the V10's. V12's where my favourite but the V10's had such a great sound. The V8's weren't very pleasant to hear, especially the Honda. The last V10's actually revved higher than the V8's did, as they where rev capped (I do remember the Cosworth V8 on the test bench breaking 21K rpm!). But yes...The V12's provided the most beautiful F1 noise ever, full stop.
The Honda V8 wasn't pleasant on the ears, either. Mclaren Honda V6 had a very erm, distinct noise also (and I don't mean coming from the Spaniard driving that thing about, either). I spot a trend....
And their leaf blowers are incredibly annoying. I suspect that something sinister is afoot has Honda been weaponizing sound--what will they do to Formula E?
LOL. But in fact the V12 Honda did not dominate as much as the V6-T and V10 cars, though it did a job job its first year.
Forgot above the rev restrictions on the V8's - must have been thinking about the 21K being promised by the Cosworth. Even as a novice spectator, even I could identify the distinctive V12 sound announcing the unseen arrival of a Matra or Alfa V12 car so distinct and lovely was the sound.
