With just a month to go before the opening round of the 2017 Formula 1 (F1) season, team McLaren-Honda has unleashed its challenger – MCL32.
As seen in the quick video above, the MCL32 is wrapped in a sleek black and orange livery. Its body and aerodynamic designs were also tweaked in accordance to the 2017 rule changes set by the FIA or the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.
These changes include a wider body, pointier nose cone, reshaped front wing, and shorter “T tray” protrusion on the underside of the front chassis. Turning to the side, the machines showcases longer barge boards that generate more downforce and wider side skirts or “floors.” At the back resides a wider and taller rear diffuser, as well as a new rear wing which is wider and lower than last year’s specification. All these new changes are rounded off with a set of bigger and wider front and rear tires.
Beating within is a Honda 1.6L turbocharged V6 engine, mated to an 8-speed transmission. It is more lightweight and is bolted in a way that would lower the car’s center of gravity for an even more improved balance and aerodynamic performance. In addition, the engine is equipped with ERS or Energy Recovery System. The said system harnesses the energy from the exhaust and brakes, and “redeploys” it as additional power for the engine.
As of this writing, the McLaren Honda MCL32 is undergoing pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. It will be piloted by this year’s McLaren-Honda racing drivers Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne. The 2017 FIA Formula 1 Championship wil be green and go on March 26 in Melbourne, Australia.
