Honda has opted to make some very big changes to the layout of its power unit to try to close the gap to rivals. They are taking a very high risk of their 2017 engine due to being completely different to the norm.

According to The Checkered Flag, Honda has struggled to equal the performance and reliability achieved by their rivals, such as Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz. To improve, they have completely redesigned the power unit. It will have a different layout and new architecture.

Honda claims that the new engine is a high risk, but they know it will give them a performance advantage if they realize the potential this year. They plan to improve the engine this year, which means boosting the exhaust gas energy and boosting the turbine. Otherwise, they cannot perform at the same level regarding deployment. Other components are also receiving an upgrade as fiddling with one part means tweaking with another.

ESPN reported that last year Honda overcame the failings of its 2015-sepc MGU-H during the winter. That was achieved with the upgrades to its internal combustion engine, and the turbocharger helped boost performance towards the end of the season.

Hasegawa also said that the focus would remain on combustion, but it would be vital as well to develop the other elements of the power unit to gain the most from the increased performance of the engine. Honda will conduct tests. Through trial and error, they hope to understand the direction and the elements to focus on. It will not be easy to combine the elements to realize the improvements on the internal combustion engine.

At this point, what is left to see are the results Honda will display in 2017. Will the changes to their engine help them stay close or even beat the competition?

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