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Engine and Body
Powered by a 6.1-liter V-12 engine designed specifically for the
McLaren F1 by BMW Motorsport, the F1's engine produces a massive 627
bhp, has 48 valves, 4 cams with variable timing, and is naturally
aspirated to eliminate turbo lag. The McLaren's engine has a very
broad powerband, putting out 480 lb/ft of torque all the way from
4000-7000 rpm, and having a redline of 7500 rpm. All this engine in
a car that weighs only 2425 lbs! The engine, catalytic converters,
and mufflers generate enormous amounts of heat and so the bodywork
in the engine compartment is shielded by gold plated foil (yes,
gold, as in the
element AU). The body and chassis and almost totally made out of a
carbon fiber composite with the chassis being constructed as an
extremely strong "survival cell" with built in roll structure. The
main bulkheads are also embedded with sections of aluminum
honeycomb. All this making the McLaren F1 a very strong car and a
very light car, which may also make it the safest car in the
world! Also making the car lightweight is a lack of certain
components found in most other cars. There is no ABS; the car is
designed to increase traction during braking by having a
small flap that raises to add downforce under heavy deceleration.
Under the flap are vents that feed air to the rear brakes when the
flap is raised. There also is no power steering. The car was
designed with careful attention to steering geometry and with its
low weight, power steering was unnecessary. Also decreasing weight,
the 10-disc CD changer was designed as a special lightweight unit
specifically for the F1 by Kenwood!
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