Quote:
Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith
Plus engine companies will pay a $1 million fee per season. Doesn't sound like a good way to encourage other engine suppliers
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Agreed especially when they have to build a special engine that has no direct relation to the production engine. The AER Mazda MZR is the same block (now with more metal for a beefer webbing), head and Direct Fuel Injection as the engine found in the Mazdaspeed 3. If Indycar doesn't allow this engine, they are stupider than I thought.
Ford could use its "Eco-Boost" tag line for its line of Indycar engines but Ford will not burn up millions developing their own engines. They do not own Cosworth anymore. This is why its important not to make the chassis in such a way that it won't support production based engines that are not stressed members.
Lola is much better equipped to do this based on the fact that the B06/10 chassis has the following engines -
Judd V10 (Drayson, Rebellion)
Mazda Turbo Production based 4 cylinder (Dyson)
Aston Martin Production based V12 (AMR)
HPD Honda Racing V8 (RML)
The Million Dollar Tag isn't that big a deal actually because its just so Indy Car has some cash on hand and in return Ford can use Indycar logos and other media and vise-versa, think of it as not only supplying engines but partnering with the series.