Engine analysis - Honda RA806E 20 November 2006
Honda's 2005 engine was one of the most powerful on the grid. That looked to have changed with their 2006 V8, which early in the season displayed lacklustre performance, with a definite lack of torque and acceleration. However, as is tradition with the Japanese maker, the engine was developed at each race, increasing maximum revs in search of top-end power while maintaining a wide rev range. It may not have been as light as the Toyota block, but the RA806E was still believed to weigh in at under 94 kilogrammes with its ancillaries. In the second half of the season, this, combined with a noticeable increase in power and refinements in the RA106's aerodynamics, helped make the Honda far more competitive.
