Renault, Sauber and Team Lotus launch thread

[nigelred5]

To be honest, I don't see them at the rear either. It is just an unveiling. Maybe they don't have their Renault engines and transmissions to finalize the design yet.? Maybe they are intentionally disguizing something innovative by not showing it at all? who knows?

[wedge]

So far the Renualt Lotus is the best looking and most innovative car.

Their hidden exhaust blow will be hard to copy.

All teams will have them.

You're still allowed to use the exhaust to blow over the diffuser and onto the beam wing but not blown into and underneath the diffuser via slots, holes, gaps.

[SGWilko]

Does the R31 have exhausts that exit forward of the engine?????

http://www.racecar-engineering.com/a...xhaust-system/

[wedge]

Yep, now I know what Mia was referring to!

Genius but probably not for very long

http://scarbsf1.wordpress.com/2011/0...fee-explained/

Unlike the McLaren F-duct, it is possible for this solution to be copied as no monocoque alterations are required.

[Mark]

Looks like another 'trick' that will be banned for next year!

[SGWilko]

Yep, now I know what Mia was referring to!

Genius but probably not for very long

I can see big cooling issues, and possible mapping headaches for the engine dept here. KERS batteries and electrics. oil and water rads all nestle in this area, so why tempt fate by adding an extra 700+ degrees to the mix? It had better work. I'd be wary of the downforce loss when you come off the accelerator and apply the brakes - could make for one tricky car......

[Mark]

It may work brilliantly, but I can also see it being a reliability nightmare.. Renault are my current tip for the 2011 Deconstructors championship!

[AndyL]

You're still allowed to use the exhaust to blow over the diffuser and onto the beam wing but not blown into and underneath the diffuser via slots, holes, gaps.

Except through the starter hole, as mentioned by Scarbs in his blog... that would be a cunning stunt if anyone's taken that approach.

[schmenke]

The purpose of an unveiling is to splash sponsors' colours and logos for the cameras
Other than the bodywork, many components may be drastically different in the actual race-spec car.

[billiaml]

Like they say, "It's all about butter -- and which side of the bread it's on."