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°

Number of valves: 32

Pneumatic distribution

Total displacement: 2398 cm3

Piston bore: 98 mm

Weight: <95 kg

Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection

Magneti Marelli static
electronic ignition

Fuel: Shell V-Power ULG 64

Lubrcant: Shell SL-1098

is it the photo or is the camber on the front wheels way different for each side ?

McLaren launch the MP4-23 in Stuttgart

By Jonathan Noble and Pablo Elizalde Monday, January 7th 2008, 13:32 GMT

THe McLaren MP4-23The McLaren Mercedes team on Monday launched their new car for the 2008 season, the MP4-23, in an event in Stuttgart, Germany.

McLaren were the second Formula One team to unveil their 2008 challenger following Ferrari's launch of their F2008 yesterday.

The McLaren event was a lot more straight-laced than last year, when the team staged a major extravaganza in Valencia, Spain.

The MP4-23, which will be driven by Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen during the season, has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.

It also has a straightened nose and sports a more wrapped bodywork with tighter undercuts. The car includes an all-new carbon fibre gearbox.

McLaren's launch coincided with Hamilton's 23rd birthday.

"It is Lewis' birthday today, we've gone to a lot of trouble... He is 23, it is the MP4-23 and he will carry (number) 23 on the car, but that is more by accident than judgement I must say," said team principal Ron Dennis.

Dennis, whose team lost all their constructors points in a spying controversy that overshadowed the season, said McLaren were ready to move on.

"This is a year of forward thinking for us, we are looking forward," Dennis added.

"We are not spending any time dwelling on the past. We are intent with everyone in the company in producing a competitive racing car, a car that is constantly evolving and will look radically different by the time we get to the first Grand Prix."

McLaren revealed their 2008 challenger on Monday, as the wraps came off the MP4-23 in a special ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The car will be raced by Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen this season, and both were present to witness the car’s unveiling.

The car was only completed on Sunday evening and left the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK at around 18:00 GMT, arriving at its destination at around 10:00 on Monday morning - just in time for Hamilton’s 23rd birthday.

"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is the coolest birthday present you can get, well it is for me anyway!� said Hamilton. “To see the car for the first time at such a great place as the Mercedes-Benz museum makes it an even more memorable day.

“I have had the past three weeks off and spent the time training and relaxing with family and friends. I know how much work has been going on in Woking, Brixworth and here in Stuttgart and it is a great looking car.�

Following Monday’s event the MP4-23 will be transported to the Jerez circuit in Southern Spain, where on Wednesday Kovalainen and test driver Pedro de la Rosa will begin the car’s on-track development at a private test. Hamilton will get his first taste of the new car on Thursday.

"Development of the MP4-23 began in earnest 10 months ago and everyone in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart have worked very hard during the last few weeks, and particularly over the Christmas period, to make today’s presentation here in Stuttgart happen,� explained McLaren’s Formula One CEO Martin Whitmarsh.

“We are confident, based upon the simulation and analysis which has been an integral part of the development process, that the MP4-23 represents a step forward. Of course we will continue to develop the car from now until the first race in Australia and see whether we have done enough to be at the level where we want to compete this coming season.�

McLaren missed out on both championships in 2007 after they were stripped of their constructors’ points following the Ferrari ‘spy scandal’ affair. However, team boss Ron Dennis insisted they would be fighting for both titles again in 2008.

"We are looking forward to another competitive season as we look to build on the momentum of last year,� said Dennis. “Every single member of the team has worked extremely hard since the end of the 2007 season to get the MP4-23 on track as soon as possible, to ensure we have the maximum amount of testing time available before the cars leave for Australia.�

The 2008 season gets underway in Melbourne on March 16.

As McLaren unveiled their 2008 machine, the MP4-23, on Monday, the team also revealed some of key features of the car’s development and the technology behind it…

The first design meeting for the MP4-23 took place back in November 2006 with early layout work starting in March 2007.

Wind tunnel work commenced in late May 2007.

Since then the MP4-23 has spent over 3000 hours being developed in the wind tunnel.

The first MP4-23 chassis was ready for bonding in mid November 2007.

Lewis Hamilton, Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett had their provisional seat fittings for the MP4-23 back in September 2007. Heikki Kovalainen was fitted for his seat shortly after being announced as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.

The car build process for chassis 1 began in early December 2007 and was finished in early January 2008.

Throughout the development process 150 different engineers have been involved in the whole project in all disciplines.

14000 engineering man hours have so far been put into the MP4-23 development project.

A similar number applies to the manufacturing man hours involved to produce the MP4-23 in time for its track debut on the 9th January 2008.

The MP4-23 is an evolution of the MP4-22 and as such there is no significant visual difference currently, however between now and the first race in Australia there are planned upgrades on most of the aerodynamic surfaces, wings, bodywork, bargeboards and additional bodywork components.

Alongside the development of the 2008 challenger, concept work has been started for the 2009 car since November 2007, with the KERS project (energy storage) beginning a year ago.

McLaren MP4-23 technical specification - engine:

Type
Mercedes-Benz FO 108V

Capacity
2.4 litre

No. of cylinders
8

Max. rpm
19,000 (FIA regulatory limit since 2007)

Bank angle
90 degrees

Piston bore maximum
98 mm (FIA regulation)

Bore spacing
106.5 mm

Number of valves
32

Fuel
Mobil 1 Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)

Lubricants
Mobil 1, newly developed 2008 formula for lower friction and better wear resistance

Engine
95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

Transmission:

Gearbox Speeds
Seven forward and one reverse

Semi-auto
Yes

Driveshafts
McLaren

Clutch
Hand-operated

Chassis:

McLaren moulded carbon fibre/aluminium 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 dash board, alternator voltage control, sensors, data analysis and telemetry systems

Bodywork Construction:
One-piece engine cover; separate sidepod covers; separate floor section, structural nose with integral front wing.

Tyres
Bridgestone Potenza

Radios
Kenwood

Race Wheels
Enkei

Batteries
GS Yuasa Corporation

Steering
McLaren power-assisted

Instruments
McLaren Electronic Systems

Just out of curiosity, when they say the clutch is hand operated, does that mean that they have to engage the clutch on down-shifts like on a Porsche GT3 RSR? I always assumed the clutch on an F1 car was completely computer controlled.

I see they've gone for the discs to cover the wheels like Ferrari.

BMW unveil the new F1.08 in Munich

The new BMW F1.08The BMW Sauber team on Monday became the fourth Formula One squad to unveil their 2008 challenger in an event held in Munich, Germany.

The new F1.08, with which the German outfit hope to take a step forward from last season, is BMW's third Formula One car since the manufacturer took over the Sauber squad in 2005.

The car, which will do a few laps at 2pm on a special track at the BMW Welt, incorporates a low triple-plane front wing, X-wings behind the cockpit and wheel covers in the front and rear.

BMW were one of the surprises of the 2007 season, when they established themselves as the third strongest team behind Ferrari and McLaren.

The team finished in second place in the constructors' championship following McLaren's disqualification from the standings.

"We have come quite a long way in two and a half years since the new team was created," said BMW motorsport chief Mario Theissen during the launch.

"We had two strong seasons and we spent a lot of effort on the new car. The F1.08 includes everything we learned, everything we experienced in the past two years. It will be a big step forward again.

"We are very confident to turn the battle with the cars in front of us into a battle with more than two years."

Theissen believes it will be hard to score their first race win with McLaren and Ferrari proving such strong competitors.

"It will certainly be difficult because the two teams in front of us are the strongest and most experienced," he added. "They will do a big leap so we have to improve more than they will. We made good progress in the past two years I am confident we can do it again and close the gap."

The car will be raced by Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, who remain at the team for the third consecutive year.

"We think they are the best drivers," Theissen said. "I am pretty sure that they both can still improve, even this year because the car is supposed to be superior to what we had last year. We had a good relationship between the drivers and engineers.

"I see the drivers as key people of the technical team and with Nick and Robert we can be sure to make progress."

Jenson Button was not deluding himself that he will be in a position to challenge Lewis Hamilton for the world championship this year, when Honda launched their latest F1 contender in Brackley today, but the 28 year-old Englishman has placed his faith firmly in the talents of new team principal Ross Brawn.

“When Ross walks into a room, you can see people’s confidence is lifted,” Button said of the man who masterminded Michael Schumacher’s plethora of world titles at Ferrari. “People really listen to him. He can’t do it alone, of course, he needs all of us here to back him up. But we have improved in all the areas where we were weak and now I really do believe again in what we are doing.”

Button, however, knows that it will take Honda to make up the ground they lost with a bad car in 2007.

“The RA108 you see today is very basic and there will be a lot of changes before the first race, and then every race after that. We aren’t going to set the world alight because it’s quite difficult to make up two and a half seconds a lap overnight, but we have made some good progress. We didn’t just have a slow car in 2007, we had one which was very difficult to drive, very unpredictable. This car is very different and I believe in the people we have here now. We didn’t understand our problems in 2007” – which were to do with the RA107’s sensitivity to pitch and roll – “and that was the big issue. Having Ross in control on the technical side is a big step forward.”

Button is adamant he wouldn’t want to be with any other team right now.

“I am the happiest I have ever been in this team. This year the championship will probably be won by McLaren or Ferrari, and I think that if the McLaren is quick Lewis has a very good chance to challenge again for the title. But for the future there isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be than Honda. It’s just going to take a while but we have the facilities here to get the job done. It’s just going to take time. But I do know that when I get the car I’ll be ready to challenge for the championship. If it isn’t 2009, then it will be the year after.”

I think it looks a bit like a BMW colours wise and is a lot better looking than last year. The earth on the RA107 just didn't show up well enough and it just looked like a mess in the end.

Early signs in testing haven't been that positive, however the car will be significantly updated by Australia from what you see here.