Lotus has become the first F1 team to unveil its 2013 contender as it launhced the E21 at its factory in Enstone. The team launched the car via its YouTube channel, with the new car still featuring the stepped nose and also featuring the Coanda-effect exhausts it introduced towards the end of 2012. Technical director James Allison said that the car may look similar to its predecessor but that a number of features beneath the bodywork are different to the E20.
Kimi Räikkönen - 2012 was a good start, let’s see what we can do in 2013:
"I’m feeling pretty good. Last year was my return to Formula 1 and it went pretty well. This year will be my second with Lotus F1 Team and my eleventh season overall in Formula 1 so I’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect. I’m sure it will be an exciting season and I’m sure there’ll be lots to talk about. For me, I will continue to do the best I can. Let’s see how good our car is, and how good the cars of the opposition are too. I’ve not driven the E21 yet so it’s difficult to say what could or could not be possible. We know we had a good car last season, but everyone is working hard to make the best car. I will be working with the team to help get the car as strong as we can, then in Melbourne we’ll have our first taste of results. It’s a long season from there. 2012 was a good start, so let’s see what we can do in 2013."
E21 Technical Specification
Chassis: Moulded carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb composite monocoque, manufactured by Lotus F1 Team and designed for maximum strength with minimum weight. RS27-2012 V8 engine installed as a fully-stressed member.
Front Suspension: Carbon fibre top and bottom wishbones operate an inboard rocker via a pushrod system. This is connected to a torsion bar and damper units which are mounted inside the front of the monocoque. Aluminium uprights and OZ machined magnesium wheels.
Rear Suspension: Carbon fibre top and bottom wishbones with pull rod operated torsion springs and transverse-mounted damper units mounted in the top of the gearbox casing. Aluminium uprights and OZ machined magnesium wheels.
Transmission: Seven-speed semi-automatic titanium gearbox with reverse gear. “Quickshift” system in operation to maximise speed of gearshifts.
Fuel System: Kevlar-reinforced rubber fuel cell by ATL.
Cooling System: Separate oil and water radiators located in the car’s sidepods and cooled using airflow from the car’s forward motion.
Electrical: MES-Microsoft Standard Electronic Control Unit.
Braking System: Carbon discs and pads.Calipers by AP Racing. Master cylinders by AP racing and Brembo.
Cockpit: Removable driver’s seat made of anatomically formed carbon composite, with six-point or eight-point harness seat belt. Steering wheel integrates gear change, clutch paddles, and rear wing adjuster.
KERS: Motor generator unit driving into front of engine with batteries as an energy store. Motor Generator supplied by Renault Sport F1. Electronic control unit by Magneti-Marelli.
Dimensions and Weight
Front Track: 1450 mm
Rear Track:1400 mm
Overall Length:5088 mm
Overall Height:950 mm
Overall Width:1800 mm
Overall Weight: 642kg, with driver, cameras and ballast
RS27 - 2013 Engine
Designation: RS27-2013
Configuration: 2.4L V8
No. of Cylinders: 8
No. of Valves: 32
Displacement: 2400cc
Weight: 95kg
V Angle: 90°
RPM: 18,000
Fuel: Total
Oil: Total
Power Output: >750 hp
Spark Plugs: Semi surface discharge
Ignition System: High energy inductive
Pistons: Aluminium alloy
Engine Block: Aluminium alloy
Crankshaft:Nitrided alloy steel with tungsten alloy counterweights
Connecting Rods: Titanium alloy
Throttle System: 8 butterflies
