F1: McLaren Reveals the MP4-24

Formula 1

F1: McLaren Reveals the MP4-24

McLaren and partners Mercedes-Benz unveiled their latest Formula One challenger on Friday, the MP4-24.

Sam Collins | http://www.racecar-engineering.com/ | Posted January 16, 2009 Woking, (ENG)

McLaren's shiny new MP4-24 carries familiar aero treatments around the airbox and nose. Despite the homogenized appearance of the first three 2009 F1 challengers to be revealed, each carries distinct characteristics. (LAT Photographic)

McLaren and partners Mercedes-Benz unveiled their latest formula one challenger today, the MP4-24. After delivering a driver's championship for Lewis Hamilton with the MP4-23, expectations are high for the Vodaphone-backed car to capture driver and manufacturer titles in 2009.

While still retaining the distinctive family look established with both the MP4-22 and MP4-23, this year’s car is visually very different from its predecessors as a result of two main factors:

Aerodynamics

This year’s aerodynamic regulations were framed by the FIA and the Overtaking Working Group (helmed by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineering director Paddy Lowe, Ferrari’s Rory Byrne and Renault’s Pat Symonds) which met throughout 2007 in order to address the issues affecting passing in Formula 1.

The OWG’s influence can be most clearly seen around the front wing, which has been widened, and the rear wing – which is now more compact. Other factors affecting aerodynamics include the banning of ancillary appendages, the addition of driver-adjustable front-wing flaps and a heavily revised diffuser.

Lewis Hamilton is hoping the Mp4-24 will offer a greater advantage over his rivals that he enjoyed in 2008. (LAT Photographic)

KERS

The MP4-24’s KERS device has been developed in collaboration with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines, which has been developing and refining the system for almost two years. The device enables the car to recover energy under braking, store the energy for a lap and release it when the driver presses a button on the steering wheel.

With a fully optimized KERS device’s output capped at 400kJ (discharging 80bhp boost for 6.7s per lap), the development team’s primary focus has already shifted to further improving the unit’s integration within the chassis in order to minimize performance loss elsewhere within the package.

An optimized KERS package can be expected to deliver a 0.3-0.5s gain per lap.

VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES MP4-24 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Chassis: McLaren molded carbon fiber/aluminum honeycomb composite incorporating front and side impact structures. Contains integral safety fuel cell
Front suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Rear suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Suspension dampers: Koni
Electronics: McLaren Electronic Systems control units incorporating electronics for chassis, engine and data acquisition. McLaren Electronic Systems also supplies the electronic dashboard, alternator voltage control, sensors, data analysis and telemetry systems
Bodywork: One-piece engine cover and sidepod covers. Separate floor section, structural nose with integral front wing
Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza
Radio: Kenwood
Race wheels: Enkei
Brake calipers: Akebono
Brake master cylinders: Akebono
Batteries: GS Yuasa Corporation
Steering: McLaren power-assisted
Instruments: McLaren Electronic Systems

Engine
Type: Mercedes-Benz FO 108W
Capacity: 2.4 litres
Cylinders: 8
Maximum rpm: 18,000 (FIA regulatory limit for 2009)
Bank angle: 90°
Piston bore maximum: 98mm (FIA regulation)
Number of valves: 32
Fuel: Mobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
Lubricants: Mobil 1 – for higher performance, lower friction and better wear resistance
Weight: 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

Transmission
Gearbox: Seven forward and one reverse
Semi-auto: Yes
Driveshafts: McLaren
Clutch: Hand-operated