Modern Interpretation of the MP4-4 for 25th Anniversary

[Matt Somers]

Been thinking about doing a modern interpretation of the MP4-4 for the 25th Anniversary next year. For me when I think F1 this is the car I think of and believe it would be an interesting project to see how 25 years of extra innovation would look in comparison.
I would plan to use a mish mash of the rules taking the modern safety rules and merging them with the orginal 88 regulations. Problem is I can't find a copy of the 88 regulations :S

I have had a tweet back from Paddy Lowe:

@SomersF1 for 1988 regulations you need the FIA yearbook (little yellow book) - try eBay. I don't have 1988. Great idea BTW!

So does anyone out there have a copy of the 1988 FIA Yellow book?

Any idea's/thoughts toward the project are also invited.

[Tim.Wright]

Would be interesting if you have a proper go of designing the suspension, engine, driveline etc instead of just tacking on aero bits like the current crop of home made F1 cars.

Remember also, the minimum weight was lower then so you will need to think more carfully whether systems such as semi auto gear changing, throttle by wire and power steering are worth the weight penalty.

Also, what would make the new design specifically a McLaren and not just a modern take on the old regs?

Tim

[Matt Somers]

It wouldn't make it a McLaren per se, the MP4-4 would be it's reference point as the championship winner and undoubtedly best car of the year. I don't plan on just tacking on bits of aero here and there but starting from the ground up.

[MIKEY_!]

This may be of some use:
http://www.f1technical.net/articles/26
Fairly sure drive by wire is lighter than mechanical linkage Tim, that's why it was used (as well as packaging reasons).