The BMW Sauber F1.06 is an all new concept. The shorter and more fuel-efficient V8 powerplants exert a decisive influence on the architecture of the car. Due to the minimum dimensions for the design of the chassis as decreed by the FIA, the overall dimensions of the car remain almost unchanged. “For the designers, this means more scope in the design of the car thanks to the more compact engine,” explains Willy Rampf, Technical Director Chassis at the BMW Sauber F1 Team.
The lower tank capacity of the BMW Sauber F1.06 impacted on both the design of the monocoque and the position of the engine. The shorter powerplant, moreover, allowed the engineers to extend the titanium casing of the 7-speed transmission, which favoured the construction of a decidedly slimline rear end.
The engineers turned their focus primarily on aerodynamics, where it was not only a question of optimum downforce but enhanced efficiency as well. The construction arrangement and design of all sub-assemblies and components followed this premise.
The front section of the new car came in for some striking treatment. The chassis has been significantly lowered at the front, which means the lower wishbones are no longer attached below the monocoque but directly to the side of the chassis. The nose of the car has also been lowered further to the ground and features an underside that curves slightly upwards. The front wing has been adjusted to the other changes through numerous optimisation measures. The aim of all these measures has been to improve the airflow to the underbody and the sidepods.
The reduced cooling requirement of the V8 engine allows not only for a more compact radiator but for smaller apertures in the sidepods as well, which also benefits the car’s aerodynamics. The same goes for the rollover bar with its integral air intake, which has also been reduced in size as a result of the engine’s lower air throughput. Complex finite-element calculations, furthermore, have enabled a significant reduction in the weight of the rollover bar while at the same time complying with the stringent safety requirements.
BMW Sauber F1.06 - Technical Data.
A completely new feature on the BMW Sauber F1.06 is the design of the front and rear suspension. On the front axle, the higher attachment points of the lower wishbones, as dictated by efficient aerodynamics significantly determine the layout. The rear axle is similarly a new construction. At the heart of the deliberations was the modified kinetics to match the demands of the Michelin tyres. Lowering the front section has made for a corresponding drop in the position of the pedals and the inboard front-axle components, along with a lower position for the driver’s legs. All these factors help to bring the car’s centre of gravity lower.
Quick Facts
| Chassis: |
carbon-fibre monocoque
|
|
Suspension:
|
upper and lower wishbones (front and rear), inboard springs and dampers, actuated by pushrods (Sachs Race Engineering) |
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Brakes:
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six-piston callipers (Brembo), carbon pads and discs (Brembo, Carbone Industrie) |
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Transmission
|
longitudinally mounted 7-speed transmission, carbon-fibre clutch (AP) |
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Chassis electronics:
|
Magneti Marelli |
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Steering wheel:
|
BMW Sauber F1 Team |
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Tyres:
|
Michelin |
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Wheels:
|
OZ |
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Length:
|
4,610 mm |
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Width:
|
1,800 mm |
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Height:
|
1,000 mm |
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Track Width, front:
|
1,470 mm |
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Track Width, rear:
|
1,410 mm |
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Wheelbase:
|
3,110 mm |
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Weight:
|
600 kg (incl. driver) |
BMW P86 V8 Engine - Technical Data
| Type: |
normally aspirated V8
|
|
Bank Angle:
|
90 degrees |
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Displacement:
|
2,400 cc |
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Valves:
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four per cylinder |
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Valve Train:
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pneumatic |
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Engine Block:
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aluminium |
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Cylinder Head:
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aluminium |
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Crankshaft:
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steel |
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Oil system:
|
dry sump lubrication |
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Engine management:
|
BMW |
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Weight:
|
95 kg |