Vodafone McLaren Mercedes -MP4-27 -2012

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 team combines the strong driver pairing of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton for the third year running in 2012, along with a substantially revised car to meet the FIA's rule changes. The most noticeable change between last year and the new MP4-27 is at the rear, where tighter rear carbon-fiber composite body shaping has been designed to meet the new-for-2012 exhaust rules, whilst smoothing airflow to and from the coolant and oil radiators.

Eco-Friendly

As a sign of the times, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes became the first carbon-neutral Formula 1 team last year, reducing its carbon footprint and purchasing carbon credits to completely offset the team's emissions during the 2011 season.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Monocoque: McLaren-moulded carbon fiber composite incorporating front and side impact structures
Front suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Rear suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Electronics: McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry
Bodywork: Carbon-fiber composite. Separate engine cover, sidepods and floor. Structural nose with integral front wing. Driver-operated drag reduction system
Tyres: Pirelli P Zero
Radio: Kenwood
Race wheels: Enkei
Brakes: Akebono
Batteries: GS Yuasa Corporation
Steering: McLaren power-assisted
Instruments: McLaren Electronic Systems
Paint: AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products
Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z
Capacity: 2.4 liters
Cylinders: 90 degree V-8
Maximum rpm: 18,000
Piston bore: 98mm
Number of valves: 32
Fuel: Exxon Mobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
Spark plugs: NGK racing spark plugs specially designed for Formula 1
Lubricants: Mobil 1
Weight: 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)
Gearbox: McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite, integral rear impact structure
Gears: Seven forward and one reverse
Gear selection: McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated
Clutch:Carbon/carbon, hand-operated