Lotus debuts 2015 nose concept - Development blog
Lotus have unveiled their new 2015 nose concept, set to be tested in FP1 by one of their drivers. The team was undecided on Thursday who would debut it.
The design is the result of development for the team's 2015 car, named E23 Hybrid, and reflects the changed regulations that will effectively outrule the team's current twin tusk nose cone. Lotus have said they don't expect their interim nose to work effectively just yet, given that is has not been designed to work with the E22, but rather aims to allow the team to run some comparisons and get real on-track data.
Technically, the nose itself, although not confirmed, looks like a shroud around the twin tusk nose, allowing the team to skip an additional crash test, one that would be mandatory if any of the front impact crash structures would have changed. As a result, the nose follows the contours of the tusks, sloping down forward towards the front wing, where two protruding elements serve as the connection points with the front wing.
Interestingly, the tip of the nose is curved up, attempting to get just that little bit of extra air underneath the nose. This immediately indicates one of the biggest challenges for most teams going into 2015, as all current noses that are set to be outruled were designed to maximise airflow underneath the nose, allowing for more downforce generated by the car's floor and its rear diffuser.
Lotus have yet to confirm if they plan to run the nose at the two other remaining events of the season.