Formula 1 News

Lotus F1 launch new Lotus Renault E21 single seater 

Lotus F1 was the first team to unveil its 2013 challenger today in a live feed at the team’s Enstone headquarters in the United Kingdom: the Lotus F1 E21 powered by a Renault RS27 engine.

With only limited changes to the technical and sporting regulations from 2012, the Lotus F1 E21 continues the design themes seen in its race-winning predecessor, the E20. However, it is pushing last year’s concepts even further as well as incorporating some innovative technical solutions. The new E21 also features a slightly tweaked livery, incorporating an extra touch or red.

This year, reigning GP2 series champion Davide Valsecchi joins the team as Third Driver, whilst Nicolas Prost will perform Development Driver duties and Jerome D’Ambrosio will continue with the team as Reserve Driver.

“I think it is fair to say that great things are possible from the team and the E21,” said Lotus Team Principal Eric Boullier. “The leap we made from 2011 to 2012 showed what we are capable of. Add to this the continuity and potential of our driver line-up and we have a very powerful cocktail for the season ahead. Our ambitious plan to turn ourselves into one of the top teams in Formula 1 is coming to fruition and now we need to harness this with strong and regular podium results.”

“The E20 proved itself to be an effective racing car – particularly towards the end of last season – so there is an element of expectation from the E21 and plenty to build upon. We have continued with our design themes and tried to create a more efficient and faster racing car based on all the lessons we learnt last year. How successful we have been in this task will only be discovered when we take to the track at the winter tests and – more significantly – at Grands Prix,” explained Lotus F1 Technical Director James Allison.

“Of course, I’ve not driven the E21 yet so it’s difficult to say what could or could not be possible for the year ahead. We know we had a good car last season, but everyone is working hard to make the best package. 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; let’s see what we can do in 2013,” said 2007 F1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen.

“I can clearly say I want to score a lot of points for the team – everybody knows that – but I think it would be wrong for me to say I want to finish in a particular position in the championship. I really want to jump out of the car as many times as possible thinking that I did a good job. Knowing that everything I could do, I did, and feeling proud of my race or session. I hope to feel that way as many times as possible this year,” added Romain Grosjean.

Lotus F1 E21 Technical Specifications:

• 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.
• 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

Renault 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 bhp
• 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

Images © Lotus F1