McLaren MP4-26 Launch pictures ( 4th of February)

McLaren launched a rather radical MP4-26 during their scheduled Vodafone media event on 4th February at Potsdamer Platz located in Berlin, Germany shortly after the first test session of the season in Valencia.

The nose of the McLaren MP4-26 features the same high design as many of the other cars this season, while its sidepods are extremely sculpted and L-shaped. In addition, the airbox tweaks have been intensively reworked, while the car's exhaust system presents a classic rear-side design.

Technical specifications

Chassis	Moulded carbon fibre honeycomb composite incorporating front and side impact structures and integral safety fuel cell
Suspension (front)	Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Suspension (rear)	as front, except operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Engine	Mercedes-Benz FO 108Y 2.4 L (146 cu in) V8 (90�). Naturally-aspirated, 18,000 RPM limited with KERS, mid-mounted.
Transmission	McLaren Seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox with reverse gear hand-operated, seamless shift
Weight	640 kg (1,411 lb) (including driver)
Fuel	ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
	Mobil Synergy Fuel System
	Mobil 1 lubrication
Tyres	Pirelli P Zero
	Enkei wheels (front and rear): 13"

Links

McLaren MP4-26 - L-shaped sidepods ( The Official F1)
"There is no doubting the new MP4-26 is very different from all the other 2011 cars. Technical director Paddy Lowe has exploited to the extreme the idea of higher outer sidepods, last seen on the likes of Benetton's B195 from 1995 and Ferrari's F310 from 1996."

McLaren MP4-26 ? ?L? shaped sidepods (Scarbsf1's Blog)
"It remains to be seen if this set up works better than conventional undercut sidepods for creating rear downforce. Others team would be able to recreate the McLaren ?L? shaped sidepod inlets. Although it would require a significant change the radiators and bodywork, making it a major package upgrade and not a quick test."

McLaren MP4-26 Launch pictures

Photos � McLaren

Maurício Gugelmin Dan Gurney Hubert Hahne Mike Hailwood