afx Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 McLaren has released its vision for the future of Formula One by designing a concept car featuring futuristic technology. Although the design is only a marketing exercise, the MP4-X features real technologies McLaren believes could be put to use in the future. Much like the Ferrari concept car released earlier this year, it also offers a glimpse of what the Formula One's future might look like. The MP4-X features energy recovery systems along the same lines as the ones in use today in F1, but McLaren says it would have "new approach to the internal combustion engine" and "thin batteries" that form a part of the crash structure. It would also feature solar panels built into the bodywork that would contribute to the car's power ... although not at night races. From a safety perspective, the car features a canopy over the cockpit, an idea that has gathered momentum following the death of Justin Wilson in IndyCar earlier this year. "I was one of many drivers who said, 'This is open-cockpit racing, it should stay as open-cockpit racing,' but I think we've had enough now," McLaren driver Jenson Button said. "We've got to get a canopy on the car of some sort, because we can't have these sorts of accidents happening as much as they have over the last few years. It's not the 1970s any more, we should know better. Canopies probably are the way to go, but obviously that takes time." But it's not all new technology, the MP4-X has also been designed with ground-effect aerodynamics, a concept that was banned in Formula One in 1982. The smaller internal combustion engine and fuel tank would allow for huge Venturi tunnels beneath the floor to create a "powerful aerodynamic effect". In addition, McLaren claims the chassis would change shape to adapt to different aerodynamic demands -- think super-advanced DRS. The shape-shifting bodywork would also feature digital billboards that would tailor sponsors' messages to its audiences. "Just like the webpages you view, the adverts are chosen specifically for you -- meaning that the car will look different to everyone," McLaren claims. Put simply, the MP4-X will be able to read your mind.
Ace-Garageguy Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 I like it. A lot. Much nicer visually than the narrow-front-track, stupid looking prototypes built recently. It would be interesting to see the "rules" this proposal is intended to comply with.One practical observation...the clear part of the canopy appears to have some rather sharpish angles towards the sides. Unless there are some clear-plastic-forming magic techniques available (of which I'm not aware), visual distortion towards the sides of the driver's field of vision may be an issue here, as-designed.
Matt Bacon Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 One practical observation...the clear part of the canopy appears to have some rather sharpish angles towards the sides. Unless there are some clear-plastic-forming magic techniques available (of which I'm not aware), visual distortion towards the sides of the driver's field of vision may be an issue here, as-designed.At that level of technology, you've got to assume that the driver's helmet is going to have some kind of visor HUD overlaying "situational awareness" on the real view. She'll be able to see where all the other cars around her are, their monitored or predicted fuel and kers state, accelerative potential (are they running light because they've yet to pit), and AI assessment of their driver's intent based on analysis of previous races. It'd be an R2 unit sat behind the canopy except that would interfere with the aero... Seriously, anything you could imagine that you could do with software and sensors you could do in the time it'll take to engineer the new engine and battery technology...bestest,M.
unclescott58 Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 I'm not a fan of Formula 1. But I do like the looks of this car.
Mike Chernecki Posted December 3, 2015 Posted December 3, 2015 I like it. Looks like half F1 car and half Tron light cycle.
Scott Colmer Posted December 4, 2015 Posted December 4, 2015 (edited) Make a kit. Please, Please, Please. Edited December 4, 2015 by Scott Colmer
bbowser Posted December 6, 2015 Posted December 6, 2015 Both the McLaren and Ferrari concepts look pretty cool. I would buy a kit of each.
dublin boy Posted December 6, 2015 Posted December 6, 2015 Hmmm. So much for open wheels and an open cockpit. That's not F1.
Nytrozilla Posted December 6, 2015 Posted December 6, 2015 Am I the only one that can see Bruce Wayne at the wheel of that bad boy?
Joe Handley Posted December 6, 2015 Posted December 6, 2015 Hmmm. So much for open wheels and an open cockpit. That's not F1.Not Indy Car either, but if it reduces racing deaths, nothing wrong with that.
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