Team Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes unveiled Wednesday morning its new MP4-27 Formula 1 car, which is described by the technical team as a natural evolution of last year’s six-race-winning car.
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| Photo: McLaren |
While the MP4-27 closely resembles last year’s car, the 2012 chassis has been substantially revised from the ground-up, with all major systems updated or re-designed for the new season.
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| Photo: McLaren |
The most evident visual differences include more tightly waisted rear bodywork, developed to improve flow to the rear of the car, and a revised cooling system, which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler. Last year’s U-shaped sidepods have also been re-designed – a legacy of the FIA’s new exhaust regulations that redefine the shape of the rear bodywork.
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| Photo: McLaren |
“Our main objectives for the 2012 season were to optimise downforce despite the changes to the blown floor, and to improve our understanding and utilisation of the Pirelli tyres, which were new to us last year,” said Technical Director Paddy Lowe.
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| Caption: McLaren MP4-27 |
“I think the most obvious change from last year is the loss of the U-shaped sidepod, which we pioneered on last year’s car,” said Director of Engineering Tim Goss.
