Ferrari kick off the 2008 launches

[Craig.]

Information on the F2008
[quote]F2008: Description and technical specifications

Maranello, 6th January 2008 - The F2008 is the fifty fourth single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship.

The design, codenamed internally as the 659, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the regulations in force in 2008. A major new element of these is the introduction of a new electronic system to be used by all teams, known as SECU (Standard Electronic Control Unit) and produced by MES (McLaren Electronic Systems.) It consists of a single control unit and a software system, the development of which ends as the season begins. Other areas affected by rule changes are: gearbox, which must be used for four consecutive events; safety, with the introduction of higher side protection around the driver's helmet; materials, with a limit to the type of composites that can be used. As a result of these rules, there has been an increase in the weight of the car. All aerodynamic surfaces have been completely revised, however the current version will be replaced by a completely different configuration in time for the first race. In fact, an intensive and all encompassing development programme is planned to run throughout the season. The monococque has been further cut away under the driver's legs and the side pods and engine cover are more tapered. The suspension system has been reworked and developed around the new aerodynamics.

The wheelbase and weight distribution have been adapted to meet the challenge of the new regulations and on the basis of lessons learned last year in terms of the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. Changes to the technical and sporting regulations in terms of electronics, alongside the introduction of the SECU, have led to the removal of a host of a driver aids, such as traction control and engine breaking and the electronically assosted starting system, and also mean that management of the differential, engine and gearchange are much simpler. The gearbox casing is produced in carbon, while the transmission continues to be mounted longitudinally. For the second consecutive year the gearchange is fitted with a quick shift system, adapted to the SECU software and further speeded up. In dealing with the reliability aspect of the new regulations, Shell has played a key role in defining the lubricants for the gearbox. The braking system has been updated with new callipers and innovative concepts regarding cooling.

The 056 engine is mounted longitudinally and continues as a load bearing element. Its basic structure remains unchanged compared to the unit homologated at the start of last season, while its auxiliary systems, air and fuel intakes have been further developed. The technical regulations also call for the use of fuel corresponding to European Union norms, with a content of components derived from biological sources equal to 5.75%. As usual, during the design and development stages of the entire car, our technical partners played an important role. Apart from previously mentioned significant input from Shell, also worthy of note is the contribution of the Fiat Research Centre, especially in providing simulation systems and Brembo for its work in developing the braking system. As is now traditional, a great deal of attention was paid to the performance and optimising of the materials used at the design stage and through quality control, striving to maximise performance levels while attaining the highest possible safety standards.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Chassis

Carbon-fibre and honeycomb
composite structure

Ferrari longitudinal gearbox
Limited-slip differential

Semiautomatic sequential
electronically controlled gearbox
quick-shift

Number of gears: 7 + Reverse

Ventiled carbon-fibre
disc brakes
Independent suspension,
push-rod activated torsion
springs front and rear

Weight (with water, lubricant and driver) : 605 kg

BBS Wheels (front and rear) : 13''

Engine

Type: 056

Number of cylinders: 8

Cylinder block in cast
aluminium: V 90

[MWISimmer]

I like it, a bit different to say the least, but I like it.

And that's coming from a McLaren fan...

[Craig.]

LOL I always wondered that, I first thought it was some rich person with too much money.
Italian broadband company.

I'll post the Mclaren car tomorrow for ya. If someone doesn't get in there first. I am interested in it myself, every year they come up with something new and obvious. Last year being the front nose/wing.

[MWISimmer]

I'll post the Mclaren car tomorrow for ya.

Cheers, but I'll probably have seen it by then  ;)
Remember I've 2 weeks off work and not a lot to do  :P  :D

[Craig.]

You probably will. Usually I'd start work at 3pm, but tomorrow i'm in early at 10 (early for me ) I believe Mclaren will be launching late morning UK time.
I'm also interested in the Williams Launch. I think this years car could be a really good one, and they also come up with some of the most interesting designs.

Final thing, the one thing that impresses me the most with the Ferrari is the engine weight. Less than 95kg all in. When you consider how hard it works at 19,000 rpm and producing over 750bhp, thats just witchcraft.

[MWISimmer]

I'm interested in Williams as well. The only thing with them is; yes, they're designs are cutting edge, sometimes radical. But they either work or they don't. And that can be the difference between midfield and top 4.
I hope they get it at least near this season, they deserve a bit of success, if not a race win.

[C]

I am interested in it myself, every year they come up with something new and obvious. Last year being the front nose/wing.

I believe this year the car has been turned back to front...

[C]

First pic is out (and now the second!) on McLaren site. Looks a bit beefier from above, and the "biplane" at thew front is no more, at least in the sense it appeared last year, unless its been left off the keep the sponsors unobscured for the launch.

http://www.mclaren.com/theteam/mp4-23-images.php

Not much mention of "Santander" on the car either, although the drivers still have it on their overalls...

[Craig.]

It's an interesting car. The nose is not what I expected, considering Mclarens trend towards the low and curved nose, to now move to a straighter nose is a bit strange. The vents are very renault esque. Not many changes elsewhere. But as Ron has said, they'll change the car between now and australia.

[C]

As suspected, from todays testing pics the front biplane is still featuring on the McLaren.