Ford's racing legacy is recognized around the globe. When Ford commissioned Cosworth to engineer the DFV V8, the resulting powerplant reshaped how Formula 1 vehicles were constructed and raced. Below is a closer look at the innovations that defined this engine.
A Compact Powerhouse With Top-Notch Performance and Reliability
In 1965, Keith Duckworth and Mike Costin of Cosworth were tasked by Ford to develop a competitive Formula 1 engine. They opted against building intricate V12 or H16 engines, choosing instead a clean V8 design optimized for airflow and mechanical dependability.
Incorporating four valves per cylinder rather than two allowed the 32-valve Cosworth V8 to achieve excellent breathing efficiency, generating 408 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Its high-revving capability helped the Cosworth DFV V8 maintain its status as a dominant Formula 1 engine long after turbochargers entered the racing scene.
Additionally, mounting the rear suspension directly onto the engine block allowed for significant weight reduction. When the motor debuted at the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Jim Clark drove the Ford-Cosworth DFV-powered Lotus 49 to a first-place finish in its very first race, starting a two-decade winning legacy.
If you have questions regarding Ford's latest V8 engines or want to schedule a test drive, contact Surprise Ford today.