New Honda Power Unit In Its F1 Car

McLaren today started testing of a new Honda power unit in a modified version of its 2014 Formula One car. The testing took place during a filming day at the Silverstone circuit in the U.K. under strict conditions.

McLaren, along with other teams taking part in the filming day, were only able to drive the car a limited distance and with demonstration tires. However, the test still represents a major step in the development of McLaren’s 2015 F1 car, particularly in the area of packaging and integration.

Behind the wheel was McLaren test driver Oliver Turvey.

Honda first confirmed its intention to return to F1 as an engine supplier back in 2013. The Japanese automaker’s new power unit, which was revealed for the first time last month, will be used exclusively by McLaren in the 2015 season.

The power unit consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 engine paired with two electric motor-generators, one providing a boost of power to the wheels and the other helping spool up the turbo. Under current regs, combined system output is around 750 horsepower.

Unrestricted testing of the new power unit in a McLaren chassis will commence after next weekend’s season finale in Abu Dhabi. By then, we should also know McLaren’s driver lineup for the 2015 season. Currently driving for McLaren are Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen, though the former may be replaced by current Ferrari man Fernando Alonso.

This is the fastest Honda Formula One

You don't hear a lot about Honda's now-kaput single-seater program anymore, but they did build the fastest outright F1 car ever made.Honda's F1 program wasn't a total loss. With rally legends Prodrive running BAR Honda, the team came second to the all-conquering Ferrari in 2004, for instance. 

Honda quit the sport before the '09 season, but their car (with some modification including a new Mercedes engine) absolutely dominated and won the championship as a Brawn. 

Brawn ended up getting sold to Mercedes, and the team has already won this year's manufacturer's title.My favorite modern F1 moment for Honda came in 2006. It wasn't the worst year for the team, getting one race win and fourth place in the title standings, but it was far from the best, and the team could've used some publicity.

Sothey went to the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The goal was to break 400 kph. That's just over 248 miles an hour, the kind of speed you get from a closed-wheeled streamliner, not an open-wheeled downforce machine. The Ultimate Tribute to Group C and The Mulsanne Straight One of the highlights and main features of the 24 Hours of Le Mans of yesteryear used to be the.

Honda took a 2005 car with an unrestricted V10, nor rear wing, a rudder at the back, and a parachute, as F1 Fanatic explained. I should point out that the V10 in this 600 kilo car put out a 900 horsepower in ordinary trim, according to Honda.

Here's how the car looked in its record trim. Note the rudder at the back.Read more..