Auto123.com’s gifted graphic artists produced a spectacular comparison between the 2009 McLaren MP4/24 and the 2010 model -- the MP4/25 -- launched on Friday.
From these two images that were very carefully measured and overlapped, we can see how vastly different the two Formula 1 cars are.
The main difference comes from the total length of the car, including the wheelbase. This is due to the fact that refueling will be strictly forbidden this season.
This new regulation forced the engineers to increase the capacity of the fuel tank from about 90 to 200 litres. The fuel tank of the new McLaren has visibly been lengthened.
The nose of the MP4/25 has been raised a little bit (à la Red Bull) and the top section of the monocoque has been flattened to lower the centre of gravity of the car to compensate for the larger, and probably slightly higher fuel tank.
The driver sits approximately at the same location. The traditional airbox has been heavily revised and the engine cover of the MP4/25 sports a huge fin.
The sidepods are longer (but also much lower) and the rear axle is located some 10 inches (254mm) further back in comparison to the 2009 car.
photo:Photo montage by Olivier Delorme Auto123.com
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From these two images that were very carefully measured and overlapped, we can see how vastly different the two Formula 1 cars are.
The main difference comes from the total length of the car, including the wheelbase. This is due to the fact that refueling will be strictly forbidden this season.
This new regulation forced the engineers to increase the capacity of the fuel tank from about 90 to 200 litres. The fuel tank of the new McLaren has visibly been lengthened.
The nose of the MP4/25 has been raised a little bit (à la Red Bull) and the top section of the monocoque has been flattened to lower the centre of gravity of the car to compensate for the larger, and probably slightly higher fuel tank.
 |
The driver sits approximately at the same location. The traditional airbox has been heavily revised and the engine cover of the MP4/25 sports a huge fin.
The sidepods are longer (but also much lower) and the rear axle is located some 10 inches (254mm) further back in comparison to the 2009 car.
photo:Photo montage by Olivier Delorme Auto123.com
