Category: McLaren

Just like the title says, here is a comparison of the new McLaren MP4-27 and its predecessor the MP4-26. Side on profile and overhead images have been compared, with the 2012 car appearing first.

The official launch of the 2012 McLaren MP4-27 Formula One car has just taken place at the team’s headquarters in Woking, Surrey. The car you see here has been described as an evolution on last year’s MP4-26.

Technical Director, Paddy Lowe, says the team had fairly straightforward goals: “Our main objectives for the 2012 season were to optimise downforce despite the changes to the blown floor, and to improve our understanding and utilisation of the Pirelli tyres, which were new to us last year.”

Director of Engineering, Tim Goss, added: “Although you can’t see it, there’s a lot on this car that’s changed. However, this year has seen more of an evolutionary set of rules, so there’s less of the unpredictability that comes from balancing resources between seasons during a time of greater regulatory change.

“I think the most obvious change is the loss of the U-shaped sidepod, which we pioneered on last year’s car. We reverted to a more conventional sidepod shape for this season because the U-shape was less suited to the new exhaust geometry restrictions. For 2012, the exhaust tailpipes now have to exit along the U-channel – so that particular feature was no longer really viable due to the new geometry restrictions.”

Speaking earlier today Martin Whitmarsh claimed the car on display at the launch will more than likely be quite different to the car that lines up at Albert Park next month, as data from pre-season testing helps continue to develop the car.

“We have no room to be complacent – what you see today only scratches the surface of what we’re planning to deliver to the track both from an engineering and operational point of view throughout 2012,” added Whitmarsh.

“I’m pleased and confident that we’ve left no stone unturned in our quest for performance. Now, our focus invariably turns to the track as we evaluate MP4-27 ahead of the start of the 2012 season in Melbourne on March 18. These will be a fascinating three weeks.”

After the break you can see more images and comprehensive written coverage with quotes from Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Martin Whitmarsh. Rudimentary technical specs are also available as is a full Q&A interview with Paddy Lowe and Tim Goss.