Honda has entered six models of V-type engines with 10 cylinders (below, V10 engine) and three models of V-type engines with eight cylinders (below, V8 engine) as third-era Honda Formula One engines. The goals of development were to achieve output approaching that of the second era, the turbocharged engine era, with natural aspiration, and to realize a smaller, lighter engine with a low center of gravity, focusing on the vehicle’s height of gravitational center, weight distribution and aerodynamics. Revising the structures of different parts, modifying materials and surfacing processes, and making design engineering and evaluation technique progress among other advancements resulted in per-liter power that is 100 kW/L greater than a second-era naturally aspirated V10 engine, as well as having approximately 6500 rpm higher engine speed for peak output, being more than 50 mm shorter in length and about 70 kg lighter, having about 50 mm lower crank center height and more than three times the mileage. Honda has proceeded with development of V8 engines with the goal of high engine speed and won a third-era victory. However, because of regulations restricting maximum engine speed and an engine development freeze due to homologation regulations, issues relating to drivability (below, DR) have been left unsolved.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review F1 Special (The third Era Activities) (14 - 18)