Formula One car development blog

It start to look like Toyota is playing a game with us. All the way through 2007, the team used standard mirrors attached to the cockpit sides. Then, at their TF108 launch, it was with great surprise to see that they had chosen to move the mirrors outboard and fix them onto the sidepod panels, similar to Renault's solution on their R27. However, the first three races were again run with a more conventional system. A temporary measure it seems as a completely new design was unpacked ... Read more

Toyota have ditched their outboard mirrors in favour of a traditional layout that the team has been used to. At the launch, the TF108 was unveiled with mirrors attached to the sidepod panels, similar to Renault's solution in 2007. After Renault removed them, Toyota have also reverted to putting the mirrors close to the driver. McLaren last year also tested outboard mirrors on several occasions but opted against them because the drivers preferred othewise. It is believed to be the sa... Read more

Despite late season efforts to improve the front wing by developing nose-attached upper elements, Toyota have opted to go the other way around and turn to a bridge wing that swoops over a lower nose. In fact Toyota cars have never had such a low nose at their launches. As marked in the image, it is vital to know that the wing is downforce neutral in the centre and there only acts as a stabiliser. Also marked is the thick main plate of the front wing, constructed so that it can carry... Read more

Toyota have visibly learned a lot from Renault's R27, especially in the sidepod area. Similar to the R27, the mirrors are now also attached to the sidepod shields, albeit a little more detached from the air-guiding panel (1). In fact they have also taken measures not to be warned by the FIA for too vibrant mirrors. While Renault had to add a small strut, the TF108 has its sidepod panel attached with two firm carbon fibre connections (2). Additionally, the rear wheel flipup has exten... Read more

While a focus on aerodynamics in mechanical parts of the car may sounds like a contradiction, it can greatly reduce drag. The new TF108 certainly stands out from previous Toyota cars as it has been improved and simplified all over the body. As marked in the picture, the new version is still a zero keel suspension-wise but has turning vanes extending on the keels. All suspension arms have also been revised (you can see the old version in the inset) while the geometry has remained lar... Read more