12/02/2016
NEWS STORY
Days ahead of the launch of its much anticipated 2016 contender, Ferrari took to social media to offer fans a little teaser.
In a 31 second video, the Maranello outfit offered fans the opportunity to hear the sound of the new power unit as it was started up in the factory.
Whilst the all too brief clip doesn't tell us much, and lacks the spine tingling roar of some of the legendary company's previous engines, it is understood that in its efforts to catch up, indeed surpass, Mercedes, the Maranello outfit has taken a somewhat radical approach with its 2016 unit.
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Whilst there is little change to the regulations, certainly as far as aerodynamics is concerned, the team is understood to have opted for a shorter nose, lower sidepods and ‘coke bottle’ rear encompassing a narrower gearbox.
However, it is the power unit which witnesses the most radical changes.
With an eye on Mercedes, which has dominated since the introduction of the new formula in 2014, the 2016 power unit will see variable inlet trumpets used, a move which will allow improved 'tuning' of the air and fuel mixture during combustion. This has been made possible by replacing the previous intercooler with two smaller versions. Whilst the original larger intercooler was placed in the 'V' of the power unit, the two replacements will be located on top of the fuel tank and left sidepod.
The team has also moved MGU-K so that it is low on the left-hand side of the engine, which in turn allows the use of the narrower gearbox.
The oil tank is wider and lower than in 2015 - a move aimed at improving the centre of gravity - while the clutch is now to be found in the bellhousing of the gearbox as opposed to being located in the engine.
All of which is intended to allow the team to take a far more aggressive approach to the all-important 'packaging' at the rear.
Whether it’s enough will become clear over the coming weeks and months.