Red Bull unveils 2012 F1 car
Defending world champion team Red Bull Racing has unveiled the car with which it will attempt to stretch its title winning run in 2012 - the Renault powered RB8.
Adrian Newey's latest design appears outwardly similar to last year's all-conquering RB7, but features a revised nose layout and a different exhaust to accommodate new season rule changes.
Speaking at the car launch in Milton Keynes this week, Newey said: "We've kept more or less the same chassis shape, but had to drop the nose just in front of the front bulkhead which, in common with many other teams, has led us to a slightly ugly looking nose.
"We've tried to style it as best we can, but it's not a feature you would choose to put in were it not for the regulation."
As in the previous seasons, the RB8 is powered by a Renault supplied V8 engine that also serves as a fully stressed member of the chassis. This is coupled to an in-house developed Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which uses energy generating under braking to power a 60kW electric motor for up to seven seconds per lap.
Weighing in at 95kg, the car has eight cylinders, a capacity of 2400CC and a maximum 18,000rpm. Aluminium alloy uprights, a carbon-composite double wishbone with springs and an anti-roll bar make up the front and back suspension.
