| Honda Indy V8[1][2] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |  / Honda Performance Development |
| Production | 2003–2011 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | V8naturally-aspirated engine, 90° cylinder angle |
| Displacement | 3.5 L (214 cu in) (2003, 2007–2011) 3.0 L (183 cu in) (2004–2006) |
| Cylinder bore | 93 mm (3.66 in) |
| Piston stroke | 64.4 mm (2.54 in) 55.2 mm (2.17 in) |
| Cylinder block material | Aluminum alloy |
| Cylinder head material | Aluminum alloy |
| Valvetrain | 32-valve (four-valves per cylinder),DOHC |
| Combustion | |
| Turbocharger | No |
| Fuel system | Electronic indirect multi-point port fuel injection |
| Management | Motorola (2003–2010) McLaren (2011) |
| Fuel type | 100% fuel gradeEthanol provided bySunoco |
| Oil system | Dry sump |
| Cooling system | Single water pump |
| Output | |
| Power output | 670 hp (500 kW) (2003–2006) 650 hp (485 kW) (2007-mid 2009) 650 + 20 hp (485 + 15 kW) with push-to-pass (mid 2009-end 2009) 650 + 40 hp (485 + 30 kW) with push-to-pass (2010–2011) |
| Torque output | Approx. 434–488 N⋅m (320–360 ft⋅lbf) @ 10,300 rpm[3] |
| Dimensions | |
| Dry weight | 280 lb (127 kg) excluding headers, clutch, ECU, spark box or filters |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Honda Turbo Indy V8 (1986–2002) |
| Successor | Honda Indy V6 (2012–present) |
TheHonda Indy V8 is a 3-litre and 3.5-litre,naturally-aspiratedV8 racing engine, developed and produced byHonda Performance Development in partnership withIlmor Engineering for theIndyCar Series.[4] The V8 was a highly successfulIndyCar Series engine from the2003 to2011 season (and the sole engine used in the series from 2006 to 2011) before it was replaced byHonda Indy V6 forthe following season. Honda Indy V8 was unveiled at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show and assembled atHPD power assembly plant inSanta Clarita, California, USA andIlmor Engineering Inc. in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.
Honda debutedIndyCar Series as engine supplier in2003 season after aCART successful era. Developed byHonda Performance Development (HPD) with technical support fromIlmor and designated as HI3R, engine's capacity was 3.5-liter. HPD and Ilmor provide trackside support and engine rebuilding services to teams. Honda suppliedAndretti Green Racing,Team Rahal,Fernández Racing andAccess Motorsports teams. Honda's 2003 stats were 3 pole positions, 6 fastest laps and 2 wins. A revised engine named HI4R was used in2004 until new regulations came into effect at the2004 Indianapolis 500.[5]
Honda designed a new engine to address the 2004 IRL rule change which required reduced displacement. Developed once again byIlmor and designated as HI4R-A,[6] its capacity was 3.0-liter and debuted at the2004 Indianapolis 500.[7] With subsequent evolutions named HI5R and HI6R, Honda was clearly dominant engine, scoring 33 poles, 35 fastest laps, 41 wins totally in three seasons including 3Indianapolis 500s. SinceChevrolet andToyota leftIndyCar Series after2005 season,Honda won exclusive tenderIndyCar Series engine supplier for2006 to2011 seasons.
This family was designed as a replacement for the HI6R but enlarged to better accommodate variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management while still generating good performance.HI7R-HI11R's capacity reverted to 3.5-liters respectively since2007 season.[8] HI7R-HI11R engine was developed and assembled byHonda in Santa Clarita, California, USA (Honda Performance Development's current headquarters) but remained under support fromIlmor Engineering for partial design R&D, trackside support, engine arrangement, tune-up and engine maintenance.HI7R-HI11R engine supplied for allIndyCar Series teams.HI7R-HI11R was a highly successful engine as it was the only one in competition with 86 pole positions, fastest laps, and wins respectively including2008 Nikon Indy 300 exhibition race and 5Indianapolis 500s. Due to theIndyCar Series chassis and engine development freeze beginning in2008,IndyCar Series kept the Honda Indy V8 3rd generation model until2011 season for cost reasons. The combustion of the Honda Indy V8 was a four-stroke piston Otto cycle.
On 10 February 2012, Honda Indy V8 was honored as "North American Race Engine of the Year" byRace Engine Magazine.[9]
