COYOTE CONTROL ENGINE CONSIDER FOR SUPERCARS
Ford Coyote control engine considered for Supercars
The Ford Coyote has emerged as a possible control V8 engine package for Supercars racing.
By BRUCE NEWTON
While not the only option under consideration for adoption under the new Gen3 rules, it is definitely on the list according to multiple Auto Action sources.
A control engine to clamp down on costs while retaining V8 character has been pushed for years in Supercars. The economic downturn triggered by COVID-19 has helped reinforce it as an agenda item.
While officially listed for introduction in 2022, there have been hints elements of Gen3 – which is exploring all aspects of racing to cut costs and improve the show – could be pushed forward or back from that date.
AA has been told a complete Coyote package with Motec ECU and exhausts could be offered for about $60,000, compared to around $130,000 for a current Chevrolet or Ford Supercars engine.
In Supercars trim, fitted with a dry sump, the engine would make around 630hp at 7250rpm. Minor maintenance would be due after 6000km.
Some well-heeled Supercars teams had been fully rebuilding engines after only a few thousand kays. However, new rules introduced in 2020 limit them to three rebuilds per annum.
That means the Coyote would almost match a current Supercars engine on output, but be significantly cheaper to purchase and maintain.
The double overhead camshaft Coyote V8 has been in service in the Ford Mustang road car sold in Australia since 2015, but is not related to the pushrod V8 used in the Mustang Supercar.
The Coyote is also offered as a ‘crate’ engine for racing by Ford Performance in the USA.
In Australia, a 5.2-litre version of the Coyote known as an ‘Aluminator’ is the control engine for the new S5000 open-wheeler category. It is adapted for local use by Queensland-based engine shop InnoV8.
For more of the latest Supercars news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.
