As the 2021 engine regulations change gets nearer with each passing day, the hunt for a potential 3rd engine manufacturer for IndyCar is also speeding up.
Rumors had it recently, that the England based engine manufacturer, Cosworth is being approached by an OEM for an engine supply deal.
However, those rumors have been put to rest, as the co-owner of Cosworth, Kevin Kalkhoven says that he has "no idea how this rumor got started" and that "no OEM has approached us about building an IndyCar engine."
The rumor gained strength, when Cosworth opened a brand new facility stateside, in Shelby, Michigan. Cosworth is not new to V6 turbo engines, given their well known, yet limited involvement in the development of the current V6 Turbo Hybrid engine of Formula 1.
Cosworth was in fact, among the very first manufacturers to kick-off development for the power unit, although, with no potential customers, and hiked costs, Cosworth was forced to abandon the program.
Kalkhoven further added to his comments saying that,
"I don’t think I can put it more forcefully than that"
“The issue isn’t designing and building an engine.
"That’s relatively easy – it’s what we do! – and it’s not a wildly sophisticated device.
“But I can categorically say we are not in discussion with any manufacturer.
"We have a completely full design order book.” he said.
The new engine regulations, set to be implemented in 2021, will introduce more powerful power units. With increment in fuel capacity from the current 2.2L to 2.4L, the engines are expected to produce more horsepower. Besides keeping the current V6 cylinder configuration, the engines are expected to be limited to 15,000 RPM.
Cosworth is not the only manufacturer to have been the point of discussions regarding a 3rd engine manufacturer lately. Some rumors also suggest that a major German manufacturer might also be interested, and currently being involved in negotiations for a potential entry.
Both Honda and Chevrolet are planning to start testing their new 2.4L V6 twin-turbo engines by the Summer of 2020.
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