Hyundai interested in badging Chevworth engine in 2006

[jock25]

Originally Posted by Autosport, June 23

South Korean car producer Hyundai has sounded out the possibility of joining the IRL Indycar Series by badging the Cosworth engine that is currently branded by Chevrolet.

Hyundai, the seventh largest car manufacturer in the world, is ramping up its American operation and recently opened its first car producing plant in Alabama.

"The folks at Cosworth received a call from Hyundai, so yes, there is interest. We're happy to talk to anyone about keeping our IRL engine programme going", said Kevin Kalkhoven, who co-owns Cosworth Engineering.

Later in the article the vice-president of Hyundai strategic planning stated: "We have no specific (motorsport) initiatives underway at this time in the US".

Interesting...

Certainly would be good to fill the gap were Chevy to continue with plans to leave at the end of the season. IMHO it also adds further weight to setting the new engine rules package with a view to shifting the emphasis towards kit-based engines and team/specialist tuning.

In this case it certainly looks as if Hyundai are seeking the exposure and brand associations of involvement in the IRL, but perhaps not the mega-bucks commitment shown by Honda.

Personally, I would like a situation where Chevy remain badging the Cosworth engine and production is increased to incorporate a fourth engine "supplier" in 2006! Now that would be exciting!

[GP Racer]

I can't say that I'm really excited by the prospect of having Hyundai involved with IndyCar racing. But then again I laughed at both Honda and Toyota when they first arrived on our shores to, so what the hell do I know.

I do know that they are making a huge push into America right now, so getting into racing might be on there agenda to. It worked for Toyota and Honda.

I just cannot imagine the Indy 500 featuring Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai however. Just to weird...

[BootsOntheSide]

I hope this happens, if only so tht I can finally use my "Hyundai in the sky, you make me feel like I can fly, so high, elevation" U2 pun when one of them crashes.

[Down F0rce]

If it keeps the hardworking Cosworth employees going, producing an even better engine then it's a good thing.

[jock25]

I know some people might be sceptical about Hyundai, given that it lacks a certain kudos in motor racing at present but I think it would be good for both parties. The involvement of another pretty major car manufacturer can only be positive for the promotion and advancement of the series.

In addition to this, assuming that Hyundai does get involved and is relatively successful, it will go a long way to proving to other sponsors and manufacturers the value of the IRL. The new engine specs will (hopefully) go a long way to enhancing this possibility.

All round, a good move if it occurs. Hyundai could develop some credibility over a few seasons racing, plus Indycars gets another major boost. Plus, would Chevy want to be seen to be running away when there is the chance, with a bit more hard work, to beat 3 Asian car manufacturers!?

[racer69]

New manufacturers, no matter their car building or motor racing heritage, is a good thing.

Hyundai might seem an 'interesting' fit, but who though Toyota would be winning Indianapolis 20 years ago?

[Snrub]

People have a poor opinion of Hyundai, but they've improved their consumer products so quickly that thier cars aren't any worse than the offerings from Ford/GM/Chrysler. I read an interesting article about them recently and the depths of their recent anal retentiveness when it comes to quality. They are really putting their money where their mouth is.

Hyundai comming in under these circumstances is a good thing. All they'd need to do is write the cheque. The requirement of their commitment is to not be frightened by Honda's spending. Cosworth has the proven ability to match or surpass the best if provided with the funds. I would assume that if they were to get involved they would have a better picture of the reality of the situation than Toyota and GM had.

[Testure]

There's a bit about this (and related issues) on grandpix.com: http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns15109.html

[Tim Northcutt]

The Indy Star reported that the 2007 engine package specs are completed...I believe that it was in either the Saturday or Sunday sports section.

But they want to notify both current and potential manufacturers first before making them public....

[nsxr]

if this happens prepare for a race in Korea plus a korean driver. Isnt there a Champcar race in Korea this year or next?

[mountainstar]

I think it would be more value for Hyundai to badge the new Cosworth V8 for F1 next year, but maybe they can do both?

[racer69]

Depends what market they are after. No point backing an F1 engine if they want to advertise in America.

[Down F0rce]

Exactly. They apparantly want more US exposure, and they won't be getting that in F1 anytime soon. With IndyCar TV ratings and crowd attendance on the up, and the added bonus of not actully having to start a development program for an engine - they would just be bading it with Cosworth doing all the work - this would be a great chance to get involved.

[climb]

Agreed; newcomers are always welcome, it's a sign of a healthy series.

[Tim Northcutt]

Today's Indy Star has a story on the IRL not being concerned about Toyota's departure, and also touched on:

- Possibly dropping the Manufacturer badging requirement...

I'm on some deadlines today, so I can't plug in the meat of this article, but there is a lot in there...

Check it out at:

www.indystar.com then go to Sports....

[macdaddy]

I've always been intriqued by rumours, and here's a headline posted on AR1's homepage:

Richards and Hyundai could buy Jordan.

Give it the grains of salt that you feel it may deserve.
But I find it unlikely that Hyundai would run two major series.

[GTRMagic]

Go ask the boys and girls at MSD what it was like dealing with Hyundai's WRC program

[cybersdorf]

Hmmm, Jordan to IRL?

[Tim Northcutt]

At Kansas, Brian Barnhart was quoted as saying the Hyundai interest in badging the Cosworth was "Dead"....

[Xpunk75]

I Think that whatever Hyundai does it will be towards their marketing campaign to sell more cars in the specific areas where they want to sell more cars. Now with the IRL you get alot of exposure all year round to a decent amount of fans each week that IRL races. Which is a pretty sweet deal for them but when you think about the type of Exposure they can get in F1 all over the world including America, Canada, Europe, Australia, China, Turkey, ect... it probably seems even more exciting to them to be able to expose themselves in the racing world all over the world.

So if they were to to into ether series at all they would have to look at what they wanted to do. If they want to sell more cars in America. F1 will only get aybe 25% of race fan exposure. If you go IRL you might 50 to 60 % race fan exposure. BUT if their looking to sell cars all over the world and get their out in the world big time. Then buy Jordan for those idoits and hiring Dave Richards to run the team is not a bad idea at all and could do very well after 2 or 3 seasons.

Another thing they might take in to consideration is where they can be more succesful and obviously they wont be able to win race in F1, Perhaps ever! The competition is too tough. In the IRL they could quite possibly win 1 or 2 races.