Automotive
Racecar Engineering
Atomic theory
Our Ariel Atom study concludes with tweaks to the mudguards and some intriguing tests involving the engine cover and the rear wing
4 min |
March 2020
Racecar Engineering
Griller warfare
Beyond that snarling grille, Mercedes has made a raft of more subtle changes to its updated AMG GT3 which should ensure it can take the fight to its rivals this year and next. Racecar spoke to the fi rm’s customer sport boss to find out more
9 min |
March 2020
Racecar Engineering
Against all odds
In the second installment in our series on Balance of Performance Racecar’s very own expert – an SRO and VLN BoP provider – outlines those things that make his job easy, and those that make it difficult. You might not be surprised at which is the longer list …
10+ min |
March 2020
Racecar Engineering
Under the skin
While you might be hard-pressed to tell the 488 Evo apart from its predecessor the devil really is in the detail, and out on track Ferrari’s new GT3 is said to be easier to drive and ultimately quicker. Racecar went to Maranello to find out more
7 min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
WR three
The WRC field might be down to just three manufacturer teams but the level of competition and innovation has certainly not diminished. Racecar went to the Monte Carlo season opener to catch up with the latest technical developments in rallying’s premier class.
9 min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
The shape of things to come
There’s been plenty of talk about what the 2021 Formula 1 aero regulations are meant to achieve, but the really important question is whether they will work. Racecar fired up the CFD to put them to the test
10+ min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
Politically correct
The MIA’s CEO explains why representation is vital if Motorsport Valley is to thrive
4 min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
Made to measure
The co-owner of Online Resources explains why its 3D scanning service has proven to be a vital tool for IndyCar in ensuring that its cars remain in an exactly correct configuration throughout the races and even an entire season
8 min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
Loaded questions
OptimumG’s series on tuning springs and dampers continues with an explanation of the importance of tyre load variation
5 min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
Hyper reality
A decision to bring the DPi and Hypercar regulations under the same umbrella was announced at Daytona and the initial reaction was rapturous – but now comes the hard work of drawing together two totally different concepts
8 min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
First sight: F1 2020
As a taster for next month’s in-depth feature on this season’s Formula 1 cars Racecar reveals some of the best new tech spotted at the launches
3 min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
Drive to survive
Racecar’s deputy editor, a former tyre engineer at Manor Racing, recounts the incredible tale of how the F1 minnow was able to race on in 2015 against almost insurmountable odds – including the crucial role this magazine played in the story
10+ min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
Armed Escort
A modern take on an all-time classic this month, as we put a bewinged Ford Escort Mk 1 RSR in the MIRA wind tunnel
4 min |
April 2020
Racecar Engineering
Heat Of The Moment
With hugely complex systems and restrictive regulations, engineers working in the field of electric racing have been forced to come up with ever-more ingenious methods to cool their motors, inverters and batteries
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
Making Sense Of Sensors
Modern racecar engineering is data-driven, which means a car needs to be fitted with an array of durable, light and – most importantly – accurate sensors to tell the team what’s happening to it out on the race track. But how do these hi-tech devices work and what exactly do they do?
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
Safe and sound
The introduction of the Halo in 2018 was aesthetically, technically and philosophically controversial, yet it soon saved one Formula 1 driver from serious injury or possibly worse. But it’s only when you see the level of technology that goes into its manufacture that you realise why it’s so effective
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
Pipe dreams
Modern Formula 1 exhaust systems are about so much more than simply expelling gases, but to achieve the complex geometries required for them to work at their very best the F1 teams need to use a fair bit of compromise and a great deal of red-hot technology
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
The cutting edge
Racecar Engineering’s aerodynamics guru examines the role, function and effects of single-seater front wings and explains why they are about so much more than just generating downforce
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
Tread carefully
It’s not just the drivers who need to look after the tyres, for as our in-depth guide to getting the most from them shows, engineers can also do much to make sure the race rubber is being used to its full potential
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
Cool runnings
F1 teams are known to be utilising brake cooling for rim heating, tyre warming, and even additional aero performance. But just how do they do this?
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
Value added
If you thought motor racing was just driving in circles very fast then think again, because technology developed within the sport also brings major benefits to the wider world – from the battlefield to the supermarket
6 min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
Biting points
Race clutch design and manufacture remains one of the most challenging fields in motorsport engineering, as we discovered when we engaged with some of the leading companies in the industry
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
A new ICE age
Reports of the death of the internal combustion engine have been greatly exaggerated and ICE technology is now being developed at a staggering rate as motorsport responds to new challenges
10+ min |
Anatomy of a Racecar
Racecar Engineering
The power of dreams
Major power unit changes in F1 are now on hold for a few years but the shape these new rules will take is still a hot topic in the paddock – we asked Formula 1’s movers and shakers what they would dearly wish to see in the 2025 engine regulations
10+ min |
Future Formula 1
Racecar Engineering
Tomorrow's world
After many months of speculation the definitive technical, sporting and financial Formula 1 regulations for 2021 and beyond have now been released. But what will all this mean for the F1 teams and for the quality of the show? Racecar investigates
10+ min |
Future Formula 1
Racecar Engineering
Future tense
With environmental pressure building and the danger of a dwindling pool of race fans just how will Formula 1 survive in the future? Prompted by two very different Swedes our technical consultant has formulated his own ideas
10+ min |
Future Formula 1
Racecar Engineering
World class
With its elevation to FIA world championship status in the bag and 11 works squads on the grid, Formula E is in a very good place right now – but how have new sporting and technical rules affected the teams? Racecar went to season six’s opening round in Saudi Arabia to find out
9 min |
February 2020
Racecar Engineering
Waiver yellow flag
The new-for 2022 GT3 regulations will mean a radical change for one of motorsport’s most successful categories, but might it also lead to cost hikes from the manufacturers? Racecar investigates
7 min |
February 2020
Racecar Engineering
Tried and tested
With Formula E demanding ultimate effi ciency, transmission manufacturers are investing in new dyno technology to test gearboxes long before they get to the track. Yet as Racecar discovered, designing and using a rig that can cope with the peculiar challenges of FE requires some serious engineering
10+ min |
February 2020
Racecar Engineering
The suspension bridge
As the link between the wheels and the chassis the suspension is obviously a crucial aspect of any racecar, but how does it work and what does each component in a system actually do?
10+ min |