charles
Adrian PatonF1: All-new Ferrari F2008
January 7th 2008 09:30
Ferrari has become the first manufacturer to unveil their challenger for the 2008 Formula 1championship - the F2008.
Codenamed internally by the Prancing Horse as the 659, the 2008 car features a raft of modifications in-line with the new rule changes, namely, 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.
Alongside the introduction of the SECU, driver aids such as traction control and engine breaking and the electronically assisted starting system have been removed meaning that management of the differential, engine and gearchange are much simpler.
[Source: Ferrari]
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