A SLENDER SILVER ARROW
The new W08 exudes an overall impression of extreme sharpness and tightness, including in the sidepod area where the cooling inlets are very small.
This might come as a surprise considering that the power units will release more heat in 2017. Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell says he expects a 10% increase in the amount of time spent at full throttle around a lap.
It seems the radiators inside the sidepods have been pushed forward and widened as much as possible in a bid to have the bodywork wrap up more tightly at the back.
That would explain the singular shape of the sidepod (see bird’s eye view). Housing the cooler, the initial part of the sidepod is large and sloped before it extends into a slender design towards the rear end.
Mercedes’ compact installation can also be seen on the lower engine cover area with more space available underneath the gearbox, which helps airflow circulation towards the upper part of the diffuser.
The front end of the car is also neatly packaged, as it featured an elongated and slender nosecone. The front bulkhead sits at a noticeably low level, as highlighted by the long supports for the rearview mirrors and extended component housing the camera placed ahead of the driver’s helmet.
