Another point that raises is, are 5 engines going to be enough for the season? Mclaren were quoted saying just finishing might get you points, which would almost imply you're expecting 50% of engines to fail each race. By that logic we'd be out of engines by the summer. I'm sure in reality figures won't be that high, but it could be interesting.
It's just how they recover heat from the exhaust. I think ASC is probably right that they've just gone for a smaller, higher revving motor than Ferrari to save weight and space. They can't blow diffusers any more, the exhaust layout doesn't allow it.
I don't think they extend far enough. The exhaust has to be right out at the back of the car, whilst from side-on those vents don't appear to go further than the end of the coke-bottle. I might be missing something though. The vents do look aimed at the beam wing though, probably won't be particularly energised air though.
Thanks to McLaren I found some interesting specs of the Mercedes engine: Type Mercedes-Benz PU106A Hybrid Lubricant Mobil 1™ Engine Oil – high-protection low-friction lubricant and coolant, for high durability and improved fuel economy Capacity 1.6 litres Cylinders 6 Maximum rpm 15,000 rpm Bank angle 90 degree vee angle Fuel injection 500bar direct injection, single injector per cylinder Number of valves 24 Fuel ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel) Max fuel flow rate 100kg/hour (above 10,500 rpm) Weight 145 kg Architecture Integrated Hybrid energy recovery via Motor Generator Units, crankshaft coupled electrical MGU-K, turbocharger coupled electrical MGU-HMGU-K Maximum speed, 50,000 rpm. Maximum power, 120 kW. Maximum energy recovery, 2 MJ per lap. Maximum energy deployment, 4 MJ per lap. MGU-H Maximum speed 125,000 rpm. Maximum power, unlimited. Maximum energy recovery, unlimited. Maximum energy deployment, unlimited Energy store Lithium-Ion battery, between 20 and 25 kg. Maximum energy storage, 4 MJ per lap Seems like the Ferrari engine is majorly behind by the official specifications in how effective they can gather energy on track.
[video=youtube;4L0mGhjOrX8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L0mGhjOrX8[/video] Go to 19:30 for a special surprise
Can't help feeling that Ferrari have missed a trick in not reintroducing something akin the classic "sharknose". Would have enabled them to have their pointy nose, plenty of airflow under the car and a classic design feature all in one. Better than the collapsed lung they have now. http://noktok.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/ferrari_shark_nose_c2640a_main022.jpg
