Formula One car

The Highest class of single seater racing. The best drivers in the world. The fashion and the glamour all in one place. Cars turned into machines where it takes a machine of a man to drive. Engineering at its pinnacle. A vehicle that can generate 5G in four-axis. Here are some of the specs we could lay our hands on.

Each car is made to different length, depending on the team and parts involved. But approximately 5 meters in length, 1.8 meters wide and 0.95 meters high. The cars can weigh as low as 440 kg, but kerb weight adds to a minimum of 640kg once driver, fuel and weight ballast are added.

The engine in 2012 is a 2.4L V8 producing an estimated 800hp/ 600kw and 300 Nm of torque. It only weighs 95 kilograms and can rev up to 18 000r/min, with a fuel consumption of 75L/100 km under race conditions. The gearbox is a seven speed sequential and yes it has a reverse gear. Somehow its compulsory to have it. 0-100 km/h in 1.7 seconds. 0-200km/h in 3.8 seconds. 0-300km/h in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 360km/h. figures depending on aerodynamics and gearing.

They also feature double wishbone suspension, front and rear with mechanical spring and damper system. Electrics in the suspension have been banned. Steering is power assisted and may not be electric. Brakes are two separate circuits for front and rear. Six piston callipers, hug the not so huge 278mm carbon ceramic disks. With no ABS allowed.

This year we have KERS a Kinetic Energy Recovery System that charges up batteries under braking and can unleash 80hp/60kw for a period of six seconds. The unit can be mechanical or electric and weighs in at 35kg.

The body is made entirely out of carbon fibre. It’s very much loved in the world of F1. And they also contain clever clever computer systems, even crash boxes to record your accident in data form, self extinguishing system and have to pass very strict FIA regulated crash tests before a driver can crash it. And fitted with at least five cameras. Probably for good viewing.

All in all, it sure is a way to have a work out when you don’t want to go gym.

JohnV