01-16-2009, 06:55 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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McLaren unveils the 2009 MP-24/Ron Dennis announces retirement
Quote:
McLaren present the MP4-24
Formula 1
Friday, January 16, 2009
McLaren MP4-24
With an unprecedented series of rule changes introduced ahead of the 2009 season, the new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 represents a significant departure from its world championship-winning predecessor.
Incorporating new bodywork regulations and the much-heralded return of slick tires, the team’s new challenger not only looks radical but also incorporates a host of new innovative features under the skin, such as a sophisticated kinetic energy recovery system (KERS).
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
McLaren MP4-24
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.
KERS
The MP4-24’s KERS device has been developed in collaboration with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, 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.
Winter test program
With in-season track testing now prohibited, the MP4-24 will undergo an intensive winter program at the following venues prior to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 29:
Jan 19-22 Portimao Group test one
Feb 10-13 Jerez Group test two
Mar 1-4 Jerez Group test three
Mar 9-12 Barcelona Group test four
Week 12 Private test ahead of transportation to Melbourne
VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES MP4-24 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONChassis 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
Tires 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 liters
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
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Quote:
Ron Dennis to quit as McLaren boss Ron Dennis is to step down as team principal of McLaren and hand over to current number two Martin Whitmarsh ahead of the new Formula One season.
Dennis, who has run McLaren since 1981, will stay on as chief executive of the McLaren Group of companies.
Whitmarsh will take over the running of McLaren's F1 operation on 1 March.
"It's time for Martin to take over. It is 100% my decision - this is a job he will embrace and from now most race-day decisions will be his," said Dennis.
"This is the right time for this decision. But don't see this as some sort of retirement because it is the exact opposite.
"The first thing I must do now is work harder and raise my game because we are a diverse company," added the 61-year-old, who will still attend races in the coming season. Whitmarsh, 51, has been at McLaren since 1989, when he took over as head of operations.
And he said: "It doesn't feel like a bombshell to me - Ron has reached this point and I was keen for him to dictate a timeframe - but I certainly didn't push him.
"I've worked with Ron for 20 years and he has had an incredible career, but Formula One is changing and evolving and so is this business."
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