The new F1 vehicles are rolling out
In the past couple of weeks, the new BMW, Toyota and Ferrari
have had their debut. Along with the shiny paint and fanfare
of trumpets, go the hopes of 22 drivers and 11 team
managers. However, there will only be one winning team, and
one winning driver when it is all washed up on October 21 in
Brazil.
Toyota
TF107
As well as the F1 cars being almost impossible to tell apart
visually, the technical details of them all are pretty much
the same too. I have quoted the details from the new Toyota
TF 107 and its RVX-07 engine, but differences are in minor
details only. Note that steel is a thing of the past, with
even the suspension arms being carbon-fiber these days.
Toyota TF107
Monocoque construction: Moulded carbon fiber and honeycomb
construction
Fuel Tank: ATL safety cell
Front suspension: Carbon fiber double wishbone arrangement,
with carbon fiber trackrod and pushrod.
Rear suspension: Carbon fiber double wishbone arrangement,
with carbon fiber toe link and pushrod.
Dampers: Penske
Wheels: BBS forged magnesium
Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza
Brake calipers: Brembo
Brake master cylinders: Brembo
Braking material: Hitco (carbon/carbon)
Steering: Toyota power-assisted steering
Steering wheel: Toyota carbon fiber wheel with Toyota /
Magneti Marelli instruments
Driver seat: Carbon fiber construction, moulded to driver’s
shape
Driver restraints: Takata
Driver HANS device: Toyota design
Electronic systems: Toyota / Magneti Marelli
Transmission: 7-speed unit plus reverse
TF107 Technical Specifications
Wheelbase: 3090mm
Overall length: 4530mm
Overall height: 950mm
Overall width: 1800mm
Overall weight: 600kg including driver and camera
RVX-07 Engine Technical Specifications
Number of cylinders: 8
Capacity: 2398cc
Horsepower: Approximately 740bhp
Revolutions: Maximum 19,000rpm, as required by FIA rules.
Valve actuation: Pneumatic
Throttle actuation: Hydraulic
Spark Plugs: DENSO
Fuel: Esso
Lubricants: Esso
Probably the main item of interest is the throttle actuation
which is hydraulic, rather than ‘fly-by-wire’ electronic.
2007 Formula 1 calendar
Here you are. Pencil in these dates:
Australia - March 18
Malaysia - April 8
Bahrain - April 15
Spain - May 13
Monaco - May 27
Canada - June 10
United States - June 17
France - July 1
United Kingdom - July 8
Germany - July 22
Hungary - August 5
Turkey - August 26
Italy - September 9
Belgium - September 16
China - September 30
Japan - October 7
Brazil - October 21
The Mazda3 we want - Now!
The new Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance
Series) has been released to certain markets world-wide. The
Aussie version produces 25 kW more power than the Ford Focus
XR5 Turbo and Renault Megane Phase II RS, to easily steal
the kiloWatt crown in the class.
Using
a variation of the 2.3 liter twin-cam 16 valve turbo-charged
four cylinder MZR direct-injection (DISI) engine also found
in the all-wheel drive Mazda6 MPS sedan (as well as the
upcoming CX-7 SUV), power is rated at 190 kW at 5500 rpm
while the 380 Nm torque output tops out at 3000 rpm. It runs
a compression ratio of 9.5:1.
Drive is taken to the front wheels only, via a six speed
manual gearbox. No automatic gearbox is available.
Fuel consumption is reputed to be around 10 liters per
100km, while the 0-100 km/h sprint time takes 6.1 seconds -
the best of all current Mazda models.
Aiding this is the engine’s electronic throttle and
electronic boost pressure control devices, which Mazda says
minimize turbo lag. 95 octane premium unleaded fuel is
injected under 115 bar pressure directly into the combustion
chamber for a 10 percent torque increase over a more
conventional manifold injection engine.
Mazda’s own figures quote - in third gear - the MPS goes
from 50 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The body, suspension and brakes have been significantly
uprated to accommodate the MPS’ extra performance over the
Mazda3’s more sedate 115 kW/203 Nm 2.3 liter SP23 sibling.
Look for 20 mm wider front mudguards to help house the 10
spoke alloy wheels shod with 215/45 R18 tyres, along with a
larger air intake, a bulbous new bonnet pressing, a rear
roof spoiler, wider tail pipes (forming part of an exhaust
that is tuned to sound ‘sporty’), side skirts, revised rear
bumper and a unique hue among the four colour choices - ‘MPS
Cosmic Blue’.
To reduce torque steer and other unruly front wheel
scrabbling, a boost pressure control has been fitted, that
suppresses sudden torque peaks for smoother delivery, along
with a limited-slip differential.
A similar goal is reached by a reduction of torque flow in
first and second gear, particularly in acceleration from
standstill or in tight cornering situations. Matching the
stiffness and matching the angles of the drive shafts
further help to reduce this.
An increase in torsional rigidity results due to a beefier
floor tunnel section, while reinforcements to the front cowl
member ups overall body rigidity. The latter is said to have
the same effect as fitting MacPherson strut-tower braces but
without the possible deformation and skewing of the
suspension geometry.
Similarly, for the rear multi-link suspension set-up, a
gusset at the lower part of the towers keeps them steadier.
To counteract body roll higher coil spring rates, fatter
anti-roll bars front and rear, and firmer dampers have been
fitted.
Stopping power is improved over the regular Mazda3 courtesy
of large diameter four wheel disc brakes - measuring 320 mm
for the front ventilated discs and 280 mm for the solid rear
units - aided by anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force
distribution and emergency-brake assist.
Further on safety, stability control is a standard fitment
(and can be switched off for an even sportier feel), along
with traction control, six airbags, a collapsible brake
pedal set-up, a revised steering column structure designed
to lessen injury to the driver’s lower leg area, while a
five seat seatbelt reminder system has been incorporated.
Aluminium pedals, brushed-metallic look trim, bolstered
seating, a 280 km/h calibrated speedometer, red stitching
and new striping mark the MPS’ cabin treatment.
Cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, 18-inch
alloy wheels, six-stack CD/MP3 audio with satellite
controls, power windows and mirrors and front fog lights are
also included.
Mazda is forecasting 130 MPS sales every month down-under,
with the Sport Pack accounting for around 30 percent of
total volume.
The Mazda3 MPS may be the newest member of a growing number
of high-performance small cars, but it already one of the
fastest production front-wheel drive cars on the planet. Top
speed is limited to 25 km/h. No specific maximum-velocity
figures are provided.
Autotrivia Quiz
Archie Scott-Brown
Last week I asked you to look at the picture, and the
question was what was the name of the driver holding the
trophy? It was Archie Scott-Brown, the one armed driver, and
the chap beside him was Brian Lister the manufacturer of
Lister-Jaguars.
So to this week. In February 1950, the Jaguar XK 120 won its
first overseas race. Where was it held?
For the Automania FREE beer this week, be the first correct
answer to email [email protected]
Good luck!
Asian Formula Renault series has Thai representation
With a promise of around 30 cars on the
grid for the 2007 series, the Asian Formula Renault looks
like turning into a very competitive class. Much interest is
being shown, with M3 International by Prema fielding ex-BMW
Junior Robert Chawakij Boughey (and very personable from the
sponsorship point of view) in one of their team cars this
coming season.
Boughey, who drives for Thailand, has lived and was educated
here, a product of a Japanese mother and American father,
giving him the unique ability to speak natural Thai,
Japanese and English, plus a smattering of French! A true
multi-national.
The series is looking at seven events with two rounds at
each track. Many are in the developing country for motor
sport, China, while there are also rounds in Sepang in
Malaysia and Thailand at the Bira circuit just outside
Pattaya. The class will also be the support race for the F1
Chinese Grand Prix 2007, and in Malaysia will be held with
the Japanese GT championship round there.
