Finally.... The 1st of the new F1 Cars, the Ferrari F2008 launched today!

The F2008 is the fifty fourth single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship.

The design, codenamed internally as the 659, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the regulations in force in 2008. A major new element of these is the introduction of a new electronic system to be used by all teams, known as SECU (Standard Electronic Control Unit) and produced by MES (McLaren Electronic Systems.) It consists of a single control unit and a software system, the development of which ends as the season begins. Other areas affected by rule changes are: gearbox, which must be used for four consecutive events; safety, with the introduction of higher side protection around the driver's helmet; materials, with a limit to the type of composites that can be used. As a result of these rules, there has been an increase in the weight of the car. All aerodynamic surfaces have been completely revised, however the current version will be replaced by a completely different configuration in time for the first race. In fact, an intensive and all encompassing development programme is planned to run throughout the season. The monococque has been further cut away under the driver's legs and the side pods and engine cover are more tapered. The suspension system has been reworked and developed around the new aerodynamics.

The wheelbase and weight distribution have been adapted to meet the challenge of the new regulations and on the basis of lessons learned last year in terms of the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. Changes to the technical and sporting regulations in terms of electronics, alongside the introduction of the SECU, have led to the removal of a host of a driver aids, such as traction control and engine breaking and the electronically assosted starting system, and also mean that management of the differential, engine and gearchange are much simpler. The gearbox casing is produced in carbon, while the transmission continues to be mounted longitudinally. For the second consecutive year the gearchange is fitted with a quick shift system, adapted to the SECU software and further speeded up. In dealing with the reliability aspect of the new regulations, Shell has played a key role in defining the lubricants for the gearbox. The braking system has been updated with new callipers and innovative concepts regarding cooling.

The 056 engine is mounted longitudinally and continues as a load bearing element. Its basic structure remains unchanged compared to the unit homologated at the start of last season, while its auxiliary systems, air and fuel intakes have been further developed. The technical regulations also call for the use of fuel corresponding to European Union norms, with a content of components derived from biological sources equal to 5.75%. As usual, during the design and development stages of the entire car, our technical partners played an important role. Apart from previously mentioned significant input from Shell , also worthy of note is the contribution of the Fiat Research Centre, especially in providing simulation systems and Brembo for its work in developing the braking system. As is now traditional, a great deal of attention was paid to the performance and optimising of the materials used at the design stage and through quality control, striving to maximise performance levels while attaining the highest possible safety standards.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Chassis

Carbon-fibre and honeycomb
composite structure

Ferrari longitudinal gearbox
Limited-slip differential

Semiautomatic sequential
electronically controlled gearbox
quick-shift

Number of gears: 7 + Reverse

Ventiled carbon-fibre
disc brakes
Independent suspension,
push-rod activated torsion
springs front and rear

Weight (with water, lubricant and driver): 605 kg

BBS Wheels (front and rear): 13''

Engine

Type: 056

Number of cylinders: 8

Cylinder block in cast
aluminium: V 90°

Number of valves: 32

Pneumatic distribution

Total displacement: 2398 cm3

Piston bore: 98 mm

Weight: <95 kg

Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection

Magneti Marelli static
electronic ignition

Fuel: Shell V-Power ULG 64

Lubrcant: Shell SL-1098

Source: http://www.theprancinghorse.co.uk/cars/f2008_technical.html

Pics: courtesy of F1-live.com and other sources

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/1-5.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/2-3.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/3-1-1.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/4-3.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/diapo_113.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/diapo_112.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/diapo_109.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/diapo_106.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/diapo_115.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/6002.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/6001.jpg


and a quick comparison between the front ends of the F2007 (1st pic) and the new F2008 front

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/43866_070003pre_780x520.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/diapo_114.jpg

I can't wait for the new F1 season to start and to see what the other team's cars look like!! Only 67 days to go- woohoo!!

Those things on the wheels make someF1 cars extremely ugly, how come ferrari and other teams use them and not mclaren?

This is Extreme!
So many small aerodynamik thinks!, look at the back end, full of small wings and almost a second rear wing!, if all those wings will work, then it's going to blast around the corners, which last year was Mclaren's strong side!

-PancakeBoy
the only reasons i can think of is either Pantent, or i simply don't fit to there design elements.

Those things on the wheels make someF1 cars extremely ugly, how come ferrari and other teams use them and not mclaren?

These ugly thing reduse the air drag made by the wheels.
They fit only into some designs, like the viking horns on the mclaren, not fit for every car.

The new masterpiece by the Scuderia will rule the tracks.

I can tell they're really trying to slow down Formula 1 and make it safer and more environmentaly friendly. A little disappointing that F1 was faster in 2005....

Wow, that thing is pure awesome.

I'd love to drive an F1 car before I die.

I can tell they're really trying to slow down Formula 1 and make it safer and more environmentaly friendly. A little disappointing that F1 was faster in 2005....

I agree with you.... I suppose safety is their no 1 concern but i'd still love to see how fast an F1 car would be without any restrictions at all!! :D

Tomorrow the expected launch of rival McLaren’s 2008 car,I CAN'T WAIT!

I agree with you.... I suppose safety is their no 1 concern but i'd still love to see how fast an F1 car would be without any restrictions at all!! :DI have no issue with cars going slower becuase speed in racing is all relative, but I wish they banned all electronic aids and computer devices all together to make it more pure.

-BossesJoe
In Denmark you can buy a ride in the last Jag F1!,
it can't remember the price, but whitout insurence (if you crash the car), it wasn't that bad!

Viva Scuderia! I can't wait for the season to begin. Hope Ferrari brings again two titles to Tifosi :) Btw there is very little difference looking form the front. IMO they should limit the horsepower only and let the teams decide what type and size of engine to put in the cars. It would be much more interesting to see how different technologies work on the same track, what do you think?

I find it beautiful like all Formula 1 cars. I can observe some changes on the Ferrari's shape.

It has BBS rims. Nice.

I didn't know something else on Formula 1 cars. These cars have a reverse gear, also? I haven't seen a Formula 1 car using the reverse gear. Oh well..

Man I was hoping for big sexy headlights with the 2008 night race in Singapore!

BTW what's the purpose of that little mouth in the nosecone? Foot cooling? Or does it in some way reduce lift?

The Front nose conse looks like last years Toyota nose cone.
http://www.f1aldia.com/photos/100/120/001_small.jpg

The Front nose conse looks like last years Toyota nose cone.
http://www.f1aldia.com/photos/100/120/001_small.jpg

Found this on F1technical.net:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/ferrari-fw-launch.jpg

Ferrari have shown with their F2008 that copying isn't something to be ashamed of. The new Ferrari front wing is very similar to the one that Toyota introduced mid-season in 2008. At that time is was a competely new concept to extend the nose cone to the upper front wing elements. Apparently they have made quite some impression at Maranello. Aerodynamically the implementation is similar to the thickening of the suspension arms at the chassis connection points. Having a smooth transition between the elements can reduce the all important induced drag.

and some other technical info:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/ferrari-keel-launch.jpg


In between the front wheels is where the real improvements have been made to the F2008. First of all, aerodynamic gains have been made to the nose cone which has its shape defined by the upward airflow from the front wing (1). Similar to the F2007, the zero keel was retained (3) while a central hung mass still helps for a low and forward centre of gravity. In fact Ferrari have discovered it should be even more forward. The team therefore added guiding vanes (4) and (5). The plates are thickened to add weight while the horizontal connection wing also adds mass while helping to stabilise airflow.

But the problem with copying is, the pioneer of the technic would almost always have the upper hand in that design. Just like the Horn design that Mclaren came up with that BMW Sauber copied.

Man I was hoping for big sexy headlights with the 2008 night race in Singapore!

BTW what's the purpose of that little mouth in the nosecone? Foot cooling? Or does it in some way reduce lift?

^ I think its for cooling of something, I remember Martin Brundle saying what it was for on the Red Bull a while ago, but I cant remember what it cools...?

Anyway, its looking good so far and apparently McLaren are releasing theirs tomorrow.

These ugly thing reduse the air drag made by the wheels.

That and it increases the cooling to the front and rear wheels. It looks ugly for sure but it does give the F2008 a slight advantage.

Anyways i think it looks great, can't wait to see it in action. 2008 should be a great season.

They certainly have made quite a few aerodynamic changes throughout the entire body of the car. It looks absolutely amazing, certainly a work of functional beauty. The steering wheel seems fitted to be made by a company called Alice, it looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland with all the knobs buttons and colors. I think Ferarri will do well this year, as usual. Only thing we can do is wait and see.

So finally we know what car Kimi will win the Championship in next year :D !

I gotta say the F2008 certainly looks has if the designers have worked masses of overtime on the aero side of the car.

Indeed Nemphis, we finally know what Kimi's '08 Stallion looks like.
w00t!
Another great thing is that Ferrari get the #1 and #2 cars back.

lmao, Nemphis you're soo full of it again arent you...

That new front nose is one sexy sexy sexy thing.

Ferrari will own this championship.

Indeed Nemphis, we finally know what Kimi's '08 Stallion looks like.
w00t!
Another great thing is that Ferrari get the #1 and #2 cars back.

Yeah and what makes me laugh is 'The Wonder Kid' has no 22 on his lol :D:p:D !!!!!!

lmao, Nemphis you're soo full of it again arent you...

Dude,


I have to be has I have said before bad luck follows Kimi around so I have to stay positive :D.

yeah that, and well the negrito will not win the championship, which i promise.

It has bar codes on it. Anyway, looks incredible. Does Fiat own Ferrari or visa versa?? ← Is this new?

It has bar codes on it. Anyway, looks incredible. Does Fiat own Ferrari or visa versa?? ← Is this new?
That's the genious of Marlboro. Yes, it's Marlboro's ad and almost everyone who is a fanatic of F1 should know. Why's it a barcode? because almost every race (with exceptions of a few) banned advertisement of tobacco.

As expected, the car doesn't differ too much from the F2007. A lot of small differences in most of the devices, but the general layout of things hasn't changed. They're still going for a relatively high, broad nose, but those upper plane linkages are great.

But look at those side cockpit protectors! The driver will really look bunkered down in the cockpit now!

Those things on the wheels make someF1 cars extremely ugly, how come ferrari and other teams use them and not mclaren?

Like others have said, the wheel reduces the turbulence the rotating wheel creates. They also increase the cooling efficiency of the braking systems. The 'rim shields', as they are called, created much controversy in 2006 when Ferrari introduced them, with many teams terming them as 'movable aerodynamic devices', which are prohibited.

Ferrari claimed they were an integral part of the upright/brake/cooling system , and were therefore permitted for use. Later, Ferrari extended the shield to cover the entire wheel bar a small area around the wheel nut. The device was also permitted by the FIA, and the other teams did not have the same attitude towards the device, so it stayed.

Toyota fielded their own version of the device, but none of the other teams did. The reasons for this were probably that the teams did not see fit to spend their time and effort design their own versions of the part for what gains they could see it having, especially considering that their 08 cars would have been well into the design stages.

Therefore, I can expect that more teams will introduce the device this year.

I can tell they're really trying to slow down Formula 1 and make it safer and more environmentaly friendly. A little disappointing that F1 was faster in 2005....

And even faster in 2004 :)

2005 was when they introduced raised front wing endplates, which now gives us the distinctively spooned front wings we see now. They also extended the placing of the front edge of the rear wing endplates to match the rear axle line.

Moreso, in 2001, the FIA made a similar regulation change, imposing that the wing needed to be 100mm above the ground, 60mm higher than pre-2001. Again, this was to reduce cornering speeds.

Wow, that thing is pure awesome.

I'd love to drive an F1 car before I die.

That would be sweet. Even just going in a straight line on an airfield would be great.

But it'd be friggin' terrifying! lol

I have no issue with cars going slower becuase speed in racing is all relative, but I wish they banned all electronic aids and computer devices all together to make it more pure.

Well, banning traction control and introducing a standard ECU so that the FIA can properly police any TC systems the teams may try and create is a start :)

I didn't know something else on Formula 1 cars. These cars have a reverse gear, also? I haven't seen a Formula 1 car using the reverse gear. Oh well..

Yes. Formula 1 cars are permitted by the FIA regulations to have a workable reverse gear at all times. However, drivers rather turn down the traction control strength on their wheels and spin around, almost on the spot. It's much quicker than reversing yourself to the right direction.


BTW what's the purpose of that little mouth in the nosecone? Foot cooling? Or does it in some way reduce lift?

I believe it is for foot cooling, I seem to remember hearing that. The nose cone plus the nose section behind it is hollow after all

That and it increases the cooling to the front and rear wheels. It looks ugly for sure but it does give the F2008 a slight advantage.

Anyways i think it looks great, can't wait to see it in action. 2008 should be a great season.

The steering wheel seems fitted to be made by a company called Alice, it looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland with all the knobs buttons and colors. I think Ferarri will do well this year, as usual. Only thing we can do is wait and see.

Er, Alice is an Italian internet company. It's only really there for sponsorship. The wheel is most likely from Magneti Marelli, perhaps in conjunction with Momo (although their logo isn't on the wheel) :)

It has bar codes on it. Anyway, looks incredible. Does Fiat own Ferrari or visa versa?? ← Is this new?
Yes, Fiat owns Ferrari and for quite a long time...it also owns Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati, Iveco.

Yeah and what makes me laugh is 'The Wonder Kid' has no 22 on his lol :D:p:D .

Yeah, just remember that when he blasts past Kimi. :D

Anyway, all i can say is OH BABY!! The F2008 looks a stunner!

I love all the aero changes, the front wing especially. Its also shorter wheelbase so it will be intresting to see if its better on the low downforce tracks that McLaren were better at on 07.

I guess we won't know till Australia.
I mean look at the past years. 2005 ferrari dropped back. 2006 Mclaren dropped back, 2007 renault.
Anything could happen with these new cars.

But the 2 i really want to see are Hondas and BMW's

But the 2 i really want to see are Hondas and BMW's
Yeah. I agree here. Let's wait.

Ferrari are favourites to win both titles for next year and I think they have a very very good chance of doing it. They've gotten rid of the longer wheelbase so the car should be a little more nimble around the tight and twisty tracks. I can see this car winning a lot of races for next season. It does look absolutely beautiful, too.

Yeah i also believe that this Ferrari will dominate the season. Mclarens car looks decent but they had to re change a lot of it, due to the whole scandal so its like starting from scratch, where Ferrari is continuing development on a very competitive vehicle.

not that I complain, Ferrari should always win.

I wouldn't say, outright domination, but their car certainly does look the part and it does look fast. As you said, McLaren have been a bit behind, financially aswell as physically and they've been under a lot of pressure this winter. Their car will be fast next season, no doubt, but fast as the Ferrari? Wait until March.

And even faster in 2004 :)

2005 was when they introduced raised front wing endplates, which now gives us the distinctively spooned front wings we see now. They also extended the placing of the front edge of the rear wing endplates to match the rear axle line.

Moreso, in 2001, the FIA made a similar regulation change, imposing that the wing needed to be 100mm above the ground, 60mm higher than pre-2001. Again, this was to reduce cornering speeds.




I kind of assumed 2005 was the fast year because I thought that was the year they were getting the most horsepower out of the V10s.

I kind of assumed 2005 was the fast year because I thought that was the year they were getting the most horsepower out of the V10s.

Indeed they were. Most of the teams were in the high 900bhp range, but like I said, they changed the bodywork as a means of reducing downforce.

I believe that Ferrari also claimed to have gotten their V10 up to 24,000 revs, which would probably give them well over 1000hp but they weren't allowed to use the motor in a race in that state. Definitely would have been something to hear.

And I believe that Mclaren revved their V8's to 21,000 in a race before. I saw it in one of the races on TV.

I cant remember the Mercedes engine pass 20k rpms at the previous year.
And I kinda saw all the races :P But well, we are people and we can forget :P

And I believe that Mclaren revved their V8's to 21,000 in a race before. I saw it in one of the races on TV.
This must have been 2006 or something. I believe they were governed to 19k in 2007.

Yea it was in 2006, but that maybe why Mclaren's engine was unreliable, KIMI kept pushing it to the limit lol

The Cosworths in the Williams' were the first engines to reach over 20,000rpm (due largely to the fact that they had a larger hand in setting the standards the FIA wanted to put in place). Sue to finacial difficulties, however, they couldn't keep up with the development seen by other companies, including mercedes, who I believe did push their V8 to 21,000rpm.

It's great to think what the engines would be like now of they didn't cap the engine speed.

I cant remember the Mercedes engine pass 20k rpms at the previous year.
And I kinda saw all the races :P But well, we are people and we can forget :P
Well you forgot. Here's a clip to show you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD5RtpLiUB0&feature=related

^^ The white pointer is waaaay off there. Look at the first part, the red pointer follows in exactly the same angle, then stops at it's maximum. That's the maximum revs he made, which is NOT 20k.

By the way, they limited the max revs to 19000 rpm since the V8's entered the stage.

^^ The white pointer is waaaay off there. Look at the first part, the red pointer follows in exactly the same angle, then stops at it's maximum. That's the maximum revs he made, which is NOT 20k.

By the way, they limited the max revs to 19000 rpm since the V8's entered the stage.

The white pointer is the actual revs. The red one is supposed to follow the white pointer until the white one goes down at the shift, showing the max revs the car got up to in that gear. It's just way off in that video.

In that particular video, as Raikkonen is coming on to the S/F straight, the red pointer stays at about 18,300rpm, while the white one keeps going up the rev range, and down again at the gear changes.

Have a look at Massa's qualifying onboard lap at Nurburgring here (http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=245LV6kN4Lc&feature=related). After he goes around the hairpin, watch the needels. The white one goes normally, and the red one follows it until the gear changes where it stays at the max revs for a bit, then goes back to following the white pointer.

Also, they only capped the V8 engines to 19,000rpm last season (2007). 2006 was the first year of the 2.4L V8 90º standard engine, although most of the development was unrestricted, which meant that teams had engines, particularly the Cosworth and Mercedes engines, were pushing past 20,000rpm.

The white pointer is the actual revs. The red one is supposed to follow the white pointer until the white one goes down at the shift, showing the max revs the car got up to in that gear. It's just way off in that video.

In that particular video, as Raikkonen is coming on to the S/F straight, the red pointer stays at about 18,300rpm, while the white one keeps going up the rev range, and down again at the gear changes.

Have a look at Massa's qualifying onboard lap at Nurburgring here (http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=245LV6kN4Lc&feature=related). After he goes around the hairpin, watch the needels. The white one goes normally, and the red one follows it until the gear changes where it stays at the max revs for a bit, then goes back to following the white pointer.


I know what it does, and you're right. But in Raikkonens video it doesnt do what it is supposed to do. The maximums of the red and white pointers dont match. At the beginning, when the revs go to a maximum, the red and white pointer should be at the same revs, but they aren't.
One of them is just not right, and since I thought that the V8's were limited to 19k from the beginning I assumed the white one was wrong.

The red pointer in the Raikkonen video is really screwed up. it doesn't match the white one at the start and can't seem to find it at all. The red one acts really bad pretty much all the time anyway. It's always playing catch up with the white pointer, and because the engine speed changes so quickly, it's really had to follow. It's pretty pointless, from my point of view anyway.

Exactly, but I thought the other way round first, since I thought the 19k limit was there from the start of the V8 engines. Got to say I missed quite alot of the '06 season.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/6001.jpg


C'mon Kimi, smile!


Ferrari looks like they have a very quick car this year. The back end just seems to be a little weird, like it is missing parts or something. :-k

Either way, I think their car should be better than last year, and their closest competitors (McLaren) seem to have a big question mark over the design of their car aerodynamically.

Well you forgot. Here's a clip to show you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD5RtpLiUB0&feature=related
Nice video, but I wish the guy would tape his mouth so I can hear this marvelous engine.