OPC Challenge engine

More fairness, improved equality of opportunities, reduced costs - this is the description for an innovation that made entering the ATS Formula 3 Cup even more attractive and easy, from 2007. The name: OPC Challenge Engine. The engine was exclusively designed by Formula 3's long-term partner Spiess, with the Opel Formula 3 engine representing the basis.

When it comes to reducing the costs, the Challenge engine represents the perfect tool for contesting the ATS Formula 3 Cup. This engine can be used for racing in both the ATS Formula 3 Cup and the ATS Formula 3 Trophy. While the cars for the Trophy must have been built before 2005.

The Challenge Engine designed by Spiess Motorenbau GmbH is regarded as additional power unit based on Opel's family I engine. The goal of the project was to achieve a mileage of 10,000 kilometres before a revision is necessary. "This means that the teams can contest an entire season before the engine has to undergo a revision," explains Bertram Schäfer, the ATS Formula 3 Cup's head of organisation. Several moving parts of the Challenge Engine have been reinforced. Bigger bearings and wider valve seatings make for durability and stability and the same applies to its more stable pistons and the additional piston ring.

All Challenge engines are sealed by Spiess, therefore, no team using the engine has got the chance of making any changes. A standard exhaust and silencer system as well as the stipulated standard powder-metal multiplate clutch provided by ZF also represent parts that make for fairness and reduced costs.

To make sure that the modifications of the Challenge engines don't result in a reduced performance, the air inlet of the air restrictor was increased by one millimetre. Consequently, the Challenge power unit delivers on the same performance level as the conventional Formula 3 engines.