Great Read: '80s F1 turbos - the final hurrah

Bowing out in a blaze of glory  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ View in browser View in browser ARTICLES MAGAZINE SHOP DATABASE SHOP ARCHIVE Bowing out in a blaze of glory: the end of 1980s F1 turbo era February 2018 | Mark Hughes Though turbos were stripped back by Formula 1 regulations in the late '80s, McLaren and Honda still managed to squeeze the most out of them as their extinction drew near, as today's Great Read explores    Back in the mid-'80s the escalating power of the electronically-controlled turbocharged engine was getting way out of hand. A four-year glide-path was set out that progressively neutered the turbos, ready for the standardisation in 1989 of normally-aspirated 3.5 litre motors. The most swingeing of those regulations came in the final year of 1988, with massive reductions in both permitted boost and fuel usage. When initially announced, it was believed this would be so prohibitive it would render the turbo uncompetitive. But that was to misjudge the pace of progress – and specifically just how on top of the game Honda was by this time. READ MORE PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES SPONSORED ADVERTISEMENT Treat yourself this Father's Day: Nigel Mansell signed Williams FW11 from The Signature Store Nigel Mansell signed Williams 'Red 5' FW11, 1/18 MCG with custom display. The FW11's most notable feature was the Honda 1.5 Litre V6 turbo engine, one of the most powerful in F1 at the time producing 800 bhp at 12,000rpm and well over 1,200 bhp at 12,000 rpm in qualifying. Nigel tells us he was getting wheel spin in top gear at over 170mph! The car was an instantly recognisable product of the turbo era of F1. Hand signed on the sidepod, custom boxed, with COA. Jody Scheckter Signed lithograph Kimi Räikkönen Signed Ferrari F2007 Tyrrell 003 Sir Jackie Stewart VISIT THE SIGNATURE STORE LE MANS Motor Sport Le Mans 2025: The ultimate guide to the world's greatest race Whether you're making the pilgrimage to France or watching the race from home, here's everything you need to know about the Le Mans 24 Hours READ MORE F1 Katy Fairman The six drivers who took their maiden F1 win at the Canadian GP Montreal has seen six drivers claim their maiden F1 win at the circuit. Some went on to become the greatest drivers the sport has ever seen. But for others, it would be the highlight of their careers READ MORE F1 Katy Fairman The six drivers who took their maiden F1 win at the Canadian GP Montreal has seen six drivers claim their maiden F1 win at the circuit. Some went on to become the greatest drivers the sport has ever seen. But for others, it would be the highlight of their careers READ MORE SPONSORED ADVERTISEMENT Some of the incredible offering available at The Signature Store website Nigel Mansell signed Williams FW14B by Oliver Maclean BUY NOW Williams 'Red 5' FW11, 1/18 MCG signed by Nigel Mansell BUY NOW Ayrton Senna, full size helmet 1991 Brazillian Grand Prix BUY NOW Alain Prost signed Biography by Maurice Hamilton BUY NOW Kimi Räikkönen signed replica gloves (pair, both signed) BUY NOW Nigel Mansell signed 'taxi for Senna' limited photograph BUY NOW Nigel Mansell signed Williams FW14B by Oliver Maclean BUY NOW Williams 'Red 5' FW11, 1/18 MCG signed by Nigel Mansell BUY NOW Alain Prost signed Biography by Maurice Hamilton BUY NOW Kimi Räikkönen signed replica gloves (pair, both signed) BUY NOW Connect with us We're also available on Update your preferences Control your Motor Sport experience by selecting the content you wish to receive and stay up to date. UPDATE NOW Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy Motor Sport Magazine, 18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE  Company no. 05471049, Vat no. 871 544 60