Motorsports/Performance - Tech Blog
Autodesk, IndyCar sign technology partnership
Autodesk and IndyCar have signed a three-year technology partnership that will give the participants in the IZOD IndyCar Series broad access to the former's cloud-based design and engineering software. The software offerings include Autodesk Product Design Suite, Autodesk Simulation 360, Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite, and Autodesk PLM 360. This capability will better enable the organization to come up with aerodynamic specifications for components that all race teams can agree on—reducing any advantages or disadvantages among teams and creating a more competitive and exciting racing environment, the companies said in a joint press release issued Nov. 29. IndyCar already employs Autodesk software within its operations for a variety of important functions—for example, AutoCAD is used to create detailed garage layouts before each event, which helps improve the logistics of load-in and load-out at venues. The same product is used in relation to sled crash testing.
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IndyCar's engineering and operations group will use Autodesk Digital Prototyping applications to design and engineer product innovations for chassis designs, parts, and components.
Patrick Racing, Katech Engineering plan to bring natural gas to ALMS
In an effort to introduce natural gas into racing, Patrick Racing has selected Katech Engineering to build its engine for the 2013 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Prototype Challenge Class. Over the next month, the companies will work to convert the existing 400+ hp (298+ kW) Chevy engines to natural gas, followed by static and dynamic dyno testing. “There are some inherent benefits to natural gas as a fuel,” said Stephen Chue, President and Technical Director of Katech. “Apart from its domestic abundance, appealing cost, and sustainability, it’s a strong replacement for gasoline or ethanol. Natural gas comes out of the ground at approximately 130 octane, making more power feasible when managed properly.” The use of natural gas in racing engines will also help the ALMS continue as a leader in green racing and keep it at the forefront of automotive technology.
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Prototype art for the natural gas-powered vehicle from the Patrick Racing Team.
Honda unveils new HR412E racing engine
Honda has revealed the “heart” of its Civic WTCC racing car for the FIA World Touring Car Championship. The new HR412E, a completely bespoke 1.6-L, four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, conforms to all FIA regulations for the WTCC and passed all initial tests upon delivery to the Honda Racing Team JAS workshop in Milan. It was developed at Honda's R&D center in Tochigi, Japan. “In the continuous technological development of an internal-combustion engine, the thermal efficiency is the essential key for improvement. And a race engine is not an exception,” said Daisuke Horiuchi, the WTCC Development Project Leader at Honda R&D. “This HR412E was born from such thought process: aiming for higher efficiency.” Honda plans to use the HR412E in the FIA World Touring Car Championship as early as this season, with ex-Formula One driver Tiago Monteiro behind the wheel. "We believe the innovations that have led to this revolutionary engine will also lead to benefits beyond the race track, helping us to further increase the efficiency of our road engine cars," said Horiuchi.
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The new HR412E engine for the Honda Civic WTCC racing car.
DeltaWing experimental racecar to go live at Le Mans (video)
Nissan’s goal with the DeltaWing experimental racecar is to explore new technologies for road cars. But it is a racecar, after all, and the Nissan DeltaWing will strut its motorsports stuff for the first time this June at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The automaker’s main contribution to the uniquely designed racecar is a 1.6-L four-cylinder engine employing direct injection and turbocharging. Race-prepared for the 24 Hours, the DIG-T engine produces 300 hp (224 kW) and features the same technology found in Nisan road cars such as the Juke DIG-T. See DeltaWing video here.
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With a rear-mounted engine, the DeltaWing has a strong rearward weight bias, which makes it highly maneuverable, while its light weight and slippery shape make it far more efficient, says Nissan.
Military, motorsports industries collaborate to boost military vehicle performance
The Military Vehicle High Performance Capabilities (MVHPC) project, developed by U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) to help bring motorsports industry technologies and capabilities to the military’s wheeled vehicle fleets, is managed by the Institute for Defense and Business and IMSolutions LLC, with help from the Marine Corps Systems Command. The North Carolina Department of Commerce and North Carolina Military Foundation are also part of the collaborative effort. “This project provides a valuable link between two of North Carolina’s biggest industries,” Hagan said in a statement. “The motorsports industry is developing cutting-edge technology that can significantly improve the mobility and safety of our military vehicles.” MVHPC partners will evaluate lessons learned and technological solutions developed by the commercial motorsports industry that are potentially beneficial to the U.S. military for possible integration into military vehicles. Several capability demonstrations have already been held, with more to come, linking military commands with motorsports companies. One goal of these demos is to facilitate interest in the motorsports sector to diversify their business to include military vehicle systems and contracting opportunities.
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