Motorsport: Unveiling the FT-60
The week’s biggest motorsport story is the unveiling of the nextgeneration Castrol Toyota Racing Series open-wheeler — the FT-60.
Come early next year, it will hit New Zealand race tracks with a raft of promising international racing talent behind the wheel. With more complex aerodynamics and meatier rubber, lap records could be in the category’s sights.
But, perhaps the most interesting element is the engine.
A lot of the FT-60’s construction is derived from existing products overseas. Unlike its FT-40 and FT50 predecessors, the platform is an existing one from Italian builder Tatuus.
Known as the F-318 chassis, it complies with the latest FIA Formula 3 regulations.
The engine will be developed locally, based on the 2-litre turbocharged 8AR-FTS; a direct and port-injected four-cylinder engine produced by Toyota and Lexus for their road cars.
This in turn is based on Toyota’s “AR’ engine family, dating back to 2008. It has since helped propel
almost 40 different models — including the current Lexus IS 300 and RC 300 F-Sport.
“We obviously wanted a Toyota engine,” said series manager Nicolas Caillol. “We also wanted to be as close as we can to the Formula 3 regulations, because we still have the idea up our sleeves to get the car homologated to maybe become an F3-original championship.
“It’s an engine that’ll be able to deliver the power we need. We’re not changing too many parts, so being close to the standard parts means we can expect the same level of reliability we got from the previous engine.”
The 8AR-FTS is set to produce between 265-285hp (200-212kW) officially, with an expected 250km/ h top speed. Paired with a Tatuus platform that weighs just 600kg dry, the combination will be a potent one with a power-toweight ratio familiar to those coming from similar formulae in Europe.
Being turbocharged, spectators should expect a different engine note to the naturally aspirated 2ZZ-GTE it replaces. Less revs, but hopefully more pops and bangs.
Development will largely be handled by Auckland-based David Gouk. He’s been servicing and developing the category’s engines since the first series in 2005.
Despite the local influence this engine will still be a global exercise. It’s in its final phase of development, before being sent to Italy for the final phase of testing in July.
“It’s a big project,” added Caillol. “Step one is getting the power we want from the engine, and the second step is somehow mounting it onto the car.
The five round, five weekend schedule is expected to start at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell on January 17-19.