Although the new generation of V-8's are reaching amazing RPM's and levels of performance that are astounding we must not forget that they are definitely lower in torque and power than the previous generation of V-10's. It will be hard to say if, or even when they can reach the same level of performance of the V-10's. It is important that the new tire rule has a lot of influence in the lap times we are seeing. For the tire engineers, instead of designing a tire that has to go through qualifying and an entire race, we now see tires that can be changed at pit stops, giving much less longevity, but more sheer performance.
So it's very hard to make valid comparisons because of these new tire specifications.
From what I have read, the new V-8's suffer much more from vibration, something that was less of importance in the V-10's. Not only does it hurt the car and lead to parts failure, it also has a very negative impact on the driver. Although many teams have fun full simulated race distances, we shall just have to wait and see if it is a factor in driver performance, and mistakes. The drivers have courage and the willingness to continue despite the agony, but if your eyeballs are actually vibrating and your vision is blurred.... well, we shall see.
But I'm still amazed at the present level of development and power the new V-8's are making.
I remember reading that Dr Mario said that when BMW first ran there new V8 engine on the dyno, it was jumping off the dyno because of the severe vibration.
Simon: Nils? You can close in now. Nils?
John McClane: [on the guard's phone] Attention! Attention! Nils is dead! I repeat, Nils is dead, ----head. So's his pal, and those four guys from the East German All-Stars, your boys at the bank? They're gonna be a little late.
Simon: [on the phone] John... in the back of the truck you're driving, there's $13 billon dollars worth in gold bullion. I wonder would a deal be out of the question?
John McClane: [on the phone] Yeah, I got a deal for you. Come out from that rock you're hiding under, and I'll drive this truck up your ass.
if the V8's get to the V10's speed...interesting is..22,000 rpm and reaching the speed of V10?..cool