Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it will likely utilise its Formula One engine facility for future road car engine development.
The 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 F1 hybrid powerplants produced by Mercedes AMG are made in the Brixworth, (U.K) facility and now, more road based engine development could start there with the majority of new F1 engine development completed.
“Following the introduction of the new powertrains, Formula 1 is now in a period where technical development is frozen. Normally we would have to look at reducing workforce in line with this cycle. It is necessary because we have to reduce spending,” said Mercedes-Benz head of development Thomas Weber.
“Now with this really qualified team of engineers [at Brixworth], I have some ideas to do some of the advanced engineering studies and advanced development activities, and maybe also production of high-end models. The reason we can play this card is because Brixworth boss Andy Cowell reports direct to me.”
Most importantly, the Brixworth facility now has extensive expertise in the development of hybrid powertrains and consequently, this expertise could funnel down to future hybrid Mercedes-Benz engines. The team there is extremely skilled and was the driving force behind the electric powertrain for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive.
