Designed and manufactured by Gordon Murray and McLaren Automotive, McLaren F1
is a car which was a trend-beater in several aspects. In 1998, it set the record
for the fastest production car in the world, 386.7 km/h. It held the record
until Bugatti Veyron was introduced in 2005. The designers hoped that they could
make the ultimate road car. The result was McLaren F1. The production began in
1992 and culminated in 1998. Described by many as the finest driver's car ever
built, the McLaren F1 was fantastic both on the road and the race track.
Systems
Some salient design features of McLaren F1 are Central driving position,
ground-plane shear suspension geometry, intelligent brake cooling, and
fan-assisted ground-effect aerodynamics. It holds the distinction of being the
world's first production road car to feature an all carbon composite monocoque
and body structure. Thanks to the unique material used in its making, the car
has exceptionally low weight and strength.
Exceptional strength means adequate safety while low weight makes for fantastic
performance. The car uses effectively the principles of aerodyamics. Vented and
crossdrilled brake discs ensure immediate response. For racing, carbon brakes
are used. The car has a transverse 6-speed manual gearbox with an AP carbon
triple-plate clutch. An aluminum flywheel is used to decrease rotational inertia
and increase responsiveness of the system.
Dimensions
The car had length, width and height of 4287mm, 1820mm and 1140mm respectively.
The wheelbase was 2718mm. The front track is 1568mm while the rear track was
1472mm. Fuel tank capacity was 90 litres.
Variants
Variants of the McLaren F1 were F1LM, F1GT and F1GTR.
Engine
McLaren F1 car is powered by 6.1 litre, quad-cam, 48-valve V12 engine, which
produces a peak power of 627 bhp and can produce a maximum speed of 240.14mph.
Safety
Like all F1 cars, safety had been given adequate importance in McLaren F1.
Required safety measures like collapsible steering wheel and highly efficient
breaks were incorporated.
Performance
Top Speed 386/240.1 km/h / mph
0-60 3.2 s
0-100 6.3 s
0-150 12.8 s
0-200 28 s
1/4 mile 11.1 s
@ 222 / 138 km/h / mph
Standing km 19.6 s
@ 285 / 177 km/h / mph
Powertrain
Type Number S 70/2
Cylinder Arrangement V12
Cylinder Angle 60 degrees
Power Output 461 / 627 kW / PS
@ 7500 rpm
Max. Torque 651 / 480 Nm / lb.ft
@ 5600 rpm
Engine Capacity 6064 / 369.9 cc / in3
Valves/Cylinder 4
Bore 86.0 / 3.38 mm / inches
Stroke 87.0 / 3.42 mm / inches
Compression Ratio 11.0:1
Ignition system Transistorised system with twelve individual coils
Induction system 12 single throttle valves, carbon composite airbox
Valvetrain Chain driven double overhead camshaft with continuosly variable inlet
valve timing.
Engine Block Cast aluminium 60 deg V12
Cylinder heads 4 valves per cylinder cast aluminium alloy
Flywheel Aluminium
Cam Carriers/Covers Cast magnesium
Lubrication System Dry sump magnesium casting with scavenge pumps and one
pressure pump
Fuel 95-98 RON unleaded
Oil 5W40/10W60
Cooling System Twin aluminium water radiators and oil/water heat exchanger.
Fuel system Flexible safety fuel cell with in-tank high pressure pump
Electrics 12V system with high capacity battery & 160 amp alternator;Chassis
ECU, Engine ECU, DC/DC converter for heated glass
Transmission Transverse unit with high speed bevel gears and spur final drive
All synchro constant mesh 6 Speed
Limited slip differential
Fan assisted air / oil radiator - pumped lubrication system
1st Gear Ratio 3.23/8.7
2nd Gear Ratio 2.19/12.7
3rd Gear Ratio 1.71/16.7
4th Gear Ratio 1.39/20.0
5th Gear Ratio 1.16/24.0
6th Gear Ratio 0.93/30.0
Final Drive Ratio 2.37:1
Clutch Triple plate Carbon/Carbon
200mm (7.87") diameter
Remote actuation (hydraulic)
Steering Unassisted rack and pinion
Two turns lock to lock
Chassis
Front Suspension Double wishbones, Ground Plane shear Centre sub-frames, light
alloy dampers/ co-axial coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension Double wishbones, inclined Axis Shear mounting system, light
alloy dampers/ co-axial coil springs, toe-in / toe-out control links
Front Tyre 235/45 ZR 17
Front Wheel 9 x 17 inches
Rear Tyre 315/45 ZR 17
Rear Wheel 11.5 x 17 inches
Front Calliper Type 4 pot monobloc light alloy calliper
Rear Calliper Type 4 pot monobloc light alloy calliper
Front Brake disc Type ventilated
Rear Brake disc Type ventilated
Front Brake Disc diameter 332 / 13.07 mm / inches
Rear Brake Disc diameter 305 / 12 mm / inches
Front Brake Disc Thickness 32 / 1.26 mm / inches
Rear Brake Disc Thickness 26 / 1.02 mm / inches
Turns Lock-to-Lock 2
Parking Brake Automatic computerised control system
Brake Cooling Automatic computerised control system
Turning Circle 13 / 42.7 m / ft
Body
Length 4287 / 168.78 mm / inches
Width 1820 / 71.65 mm / inches
Height 1140 / 44.88 mm / inches
Wheelbase 2718 / 107.01 mm / inches
Front Overhang 970 / 38.18 mm / inches
Rear Overhang 599 / 23.58 mm / inches
Front Track 1568 / 61.73 mm / inches
Rear Track 1472 / 57.95 mm / inches
Luggage Capacity - 2 occupants (VDA) 283 / 10 litres / cu ft.
Luggage Capacity - 3 occupants (VDA) 227 / 8 litres / cu ft.
Fuel Tank Capacity 90 litres
Kerb Weight 1140 / 2513 kg / lbs
Weight Distribution 41.2/58.8 F/R
Drag Coefficient 0.32
Aerodynamics Full underbody air management (fan assisted). Driver selectable
high downforce mode. Automatic brake and balance aerofoil system.
