Ahead of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes unveiled their new MP4-27. Mercedes claims that though the MP4-27 resembles last year’s six-time race winning car, it has a new chassis and redesigned systems. The visual differences include more tight rear bodywork developed to improve air flow to the rear of the car and the U-shaped sidepods which have also been redesigned to conform to FIA’s new exhaust regulations. A revised cooling system which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler is also a new addition.
Jenson Button, McLaren driver and runner-up in the 2011 world drivers’ championship said, ““I know that the whole team is extremely proud of the MP4-27. It may look like a direct evolution of last year’s car, but we’ve analysed every area of performance over the winter and the whole car has benefited from lots of fresh thinking and new ideas in every area. I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel in Spain next week.”
His team mate, Lewis Hamilton said, “The biggest changes for 2012 are the modifications to the exhaust regulations – that will reduce the downforce and grip that we had last year, but it just puts the emphasis on the designers to try and claw some of that back in other areas. I get the feeling the MP4-27 is going to feel very new and exciting when we get to drive it for the first time.”
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