Several automakers from Japan and from all over the world have turned to synthetic fuels in a quest to keep internal combustion engines alive in the zero-emission era, with Subaru being amongst them. The Japanese company announced its participation in the Super Taikyu Series 2022 in Japan with a specially modified BRZ using carbon-neutral fuel.
Motorsports is the best field to test new
technologies. Thus, the Subaru BRZ CNF Concept by Team SDA Engineering will
join the grid in Suzuka on March 19 and 20. According to Subaru, more than 100
engineers from its Technology Headquarters participated in the development of
the technology in the vehicle which will be used for testing and training
purposes.
In order to be compatible with the new
fuel, the engine of the Subaru BRZ CNF Concept received minor modifications.
Other changes include the addition of a roll cage and other safety equipment
that is required for racing. Finally, the special livery is using blue –
symbolizing the passion of Subaru engineers – and green – symbolizing the
carbon-neutral fuel – on a white body with racing stickers.
The carbon-neutral fuel is made from
carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and non-edible biomass. While the fuel used in the
racecar is not strictly carbon-neutral as suggested by its name, it can be
since its ingredients can be made using renewable energy while manufacturing
and transportation could happen with zero emissions. The fuel matches the
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) for gasoline but it will have close to zero
carbon dioxide emissions – similar to what Toyota is saying about its own
experimental hydrogen-powered motor. Such a solution would allow the internal
combustion engine to continue evolving while helping the automaker achieve the
much-anticipated carbon neutrality.
