Ford's legacy on the race track is world-renowned. The development of the legendary Cosworth DFV V8 engine forever changed how Formula 1 teams designed and raced their cars. Let us examine the technical breakthroughs behind this iconic powerplant.
A Compact Powerhouse With Top-Notch Performance and Reliability
In 1965, Ford commissioned Keith Duckworth and Mike Costin of Cosworth to design a high-performing Formula 1 engine. The engineers bypassed complex V12 or H16 layouts in favor of a practical V8 engine designed to improve airflow and reliability.
By using four valves per cylinder instead of two, the 32-valve Cosworth V8 delivered superior air and fuel intake, producing an impressive 408 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Its high-revving capacity ensured that the Cosworth DFV V8 stayed at the forefront of Formula 1 performance, even as turbochargers gained popularity.
Furthermore, mounting the rear suspension directly to the engine block helped reduce overall vehicle weight. Making its debut at the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Jim Clark drove the Ford-Cosworth DFV Lotus 49 to victory in its very first race. This triumph was the first of many across two decades of racing history.
If you have questions about Ford's modern V8 lineup or wish to schedule a test drive, contact Westway Ford today.