New car news!!

[garyshell]

So they built an engine 20 pounds lighter, despite the fact that they're going to get a weight handicap? Either the people at Lotus are really dumb (which I doubt), or you're making these handicaps out to be worse than they really are.

Ah, but that's twenty pounds that the race engineers get to decide where they want it to go.

Gary

[BDunnell]

@BDunnell Comparing the fans of F1 to IndyCar fans is an apples and oranges comparison. F1 hasn't done to itself what IndyCar did to itself in the last 20 years. By comparison, F1 is very stable and has been able to pull itself out of the nosedive it occasionally finds itself in. IndyCar didn't and has been a smoldering wreckage since. If F1 fans have to endure a 12 year civil war that bitterly divides it's fan base and becomes stagnant series that uses the same spec car for nearly a decade, then it's time to compare notes. Different life experiences will create different perspectives.

Thank you for a very eloquent response, DBell. I may not agree with all that you say, but at least you frame your arguments more than properly.

[BDunnell]

If you want to shift this debate to the need for competition between chassis and engine manufacturers then I'll be right there on your side. I do think that is what this series needs. Next year qe get part of that with three engine manufacturers. Hopefully we will also get aero packages in 2013. And hopefully the league takes a fairly "hands off" approach to regulating them during the season (although I think I'll be disappointed on that)

But this debate so far has been about SPEED plain and simple. That is a very different argument than the one you are making.

I agree completely.

[vintage]

Ah, but that's twenty pounds that the race engineers get to decide where they want it to go.

Gary

I believe it will be placed on the engine, so some limitations. Still probably better than the alternative.

[Mad_Hatter]

So, lots of pics and a few videos floating around from testing today. But, what exactly are they shrouding here?


panther site

Cooling arrangements?

[Civic]

Who's the cute Panther engineer?

[shazbot]

My god that car is ugly, and what a dreary livery.

[beachbum]

Who's the cute Panther engineer?

Mechanic Anna Chatten.

[chuck34]

So, lots of pics and a few videos floating around from testing today. But, what exactly are they shrouding here?


panther site

Cooling arrangements?

The only thing I saw that could be thought of as a "shroud" was a blanket they had over the engine. They do that to warm it up. Blanket with a salamander blowing hot air over the engine. But maybe you're talking about something else??

[Chris R]

not to continue to beat a dead horse - but I STILL can't get into this new car - it just doesn't look right - the "hips" are just too much - it just does not look "fast" or "right" - I know that is my opinion only but I am trying really are to like this thing.....

On the bright side - great to see so many cars out testing so early. I actually like the solid red Target car - anything solid seems to help hide those hideous side pods......