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Maranello, Italy — Ferrari's Formula One car is the single biggest inspiration for its world-famous road going cars. A proportion of the technology that is developed for its F1 race cars trickle down into its road going cars.
There are strict rules that govern certain aspects of the modern F1 car, which means that this new car isn't greatly different from last year's model. It's heavier, due to new safety regulations to protect the driver in the even of a crash, and there's some new aerodynamic tricks, plus a few suspension changes.
The car looks a bit different, particularly in terms of livery because Vodafone jumped ship for McLaren, so other sponsors such as Italia Telecom and it's broadband company Alice have filled in some (very expensive) gaps.
In accordance with the regulations that come into force this year, Ferrari explains, the basic structure of the engine remains the same as the one homologated at the end of last season. Therefore, the 056 engine continues as a load bearing member and is again mounted longitudinally. Based on what is permitted in the regulations, the following modifications have been carried out to the engine signed off with the FIA in October 2006:
The combustion chamber, the valves, the inlet and exhaust chambers have changed, allowing the engine to rev up to 19,000rpm
The piston, the piston pin and the piston cooling jets are modified slightly, so as to aim for the best possible reliability when running at the limit of 19,000 rpm
The fluid systems (water and oil) and components have been upgraded to facilitate the integration of the 056 into the new car.
So, we know that Ferrari has tinkered with the engine, giving it a modified pistons to ensure longevity at high revs (these things revolve at jet engine-like speeds of 19,000rpm), and the valves, intake, exhaust and combustion chambers have also been modified to increase reliability and torque generation, if only slightly.
The fastest motor vehicle currently in the Ferrari garage, the F2007 is the pinnacle of the Italian marque's engineering expertise. Though there are thousands of FIA rules to follow in regards to the engine, the aerodynamics and the chassis, the F2007 F1 is expected to be one of the top cars in 2007, and now that Michael Schumacher is no longer in the driver's seat, an all-new legacy with Kimi Raikkonenand Felipe Massa could evolve.
According to Ferrari, the F2007 F1 race car is the 53rd single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. The project, known internally as the 658, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the technical regulations that apply for 2007, with changes principally concerning safety, through the introduction of more stringent front and rear crash tests and the addition of a composite material structure to provide lateral protection to the sides of the driver. Ferrari says that these modifications have led to a significant increase in the weight of the car, in the region of just under ten kilograms.
Also, the F2007 chassis has been significantly modified when compared to the 248 F1 car that contested the 2006 F1 Grand Prix season. The design was revised to accommodate a new front suspension that represents a major conceptual innovation, mainly in terms of aerodynamics.
The shape of the side-pods and their openings are also revised, based on modifications to the cooling system, which also implies exits for the radiators on the upper part of the bodywork, while the engine air intake is also substantially different explains Ferrari.
The car has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor which may hinder turn-in, and the rear of the car is much narrower than before, taking advantage of the more sculpted shape of the 7-speed gearbox housing, which is made from carbon fibre.
The gearbox itself, which is still mounted longitudinally, is fitted with an innovative quick-shift system (seven forward ratios plus reverse). The rear suspension is similar to that on the 248 F1, but a significant development programme is planned in this area, in order to get the most out of the system, based on making progress in understanding the behaviour of the 2007 tyres. To this end, the development of the F2007 car will be ongoing throughout the 2007 season as Ferrari aims to stay competitive.
Ferrari has said the front and rear aerodynamic configuration is also expected to change considerably before the start of the World Championship, where the position of the rear view mirrors seen on the 2006 car remains unchanged and the same goes for the exhaust system.
During the design and development phase of the complete race car, Ferrari says the technical partners played an important role. A significant part was played by Shell in terms of fuel and lubricants, by the Fiat Research Centre in the use of simulation systems and by Brembo in developing the braking system. As is now traditional, a great deal of attention was paid to the performance and optimisation of the materials used, to the design stage and to quality control, striving to maximise the performance level and to ensure the highest possible standard of safety.
The ultimate test will begin for the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team on the 18th of March, when the F1 circus lands right here in Melbourne, Australia - not far from this office.
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