So the green party finally wins the argument for downsizing Formula 1 engines as FIA’s World Motor Sport Council announces new regulations for using 1.6 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines instead of the current 2.4 liter V8 from 2013. The officials claim that the new engines will deliver the same amount of power as the V8, but with 35 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

The new engine will also rev considerably less at 12,000 rpm than the V8’s 18,000 rpm. They will also use energy recovery and additional energy management systems to further enhance efficiency. Other new 2013 regulation will limit the number of engines that drivers can use throughout the season without penalty. Currently they can use eight, but according to the new rule it will be reduced to five.

“The WMSC approved the introduction of a new specification engine from 2013, underlining the FIA’s commitment to improving sustainability and addressing the needs of the automotive industry,” explained the FIA. “Following dialogue with the engine manufacturers and experts in this field, the power units will be four cylinders, 1.6 litre with high pressure gasoline injection up to 500 bar.”

source: Formula 1 via Motorauthority