bhall II wrote:I think it looks like they're trying to tighten up the bodywork around the airbox by filling previously unused space with ducts/cooling.
http://i.imgur.com/ohzpp7L.jpg
Higher vertical packaging, so to speak, should enable thinner horizontal packaging, which will make the rear wing more efficient.
From what I have seen and in comparison to last years configuration, the 'fattening' of the W06 engine cover was necessitated by the introduction of the variable inlet system. The cooling system didn't compromise the width of the engine cover. I can only surmise that with this modified design, Mercedes may be contemplating an enlarge cooling system for the gearbox/oil/ERS, maybe for the hotter races/races where heat rejection is more critical, other they are working on expanding the performance of their ERS.
I think the expansion of the rear part of the engine cover has cast the illusion that the region immediately behind the drivers head and around the variable inlet system has been tightened.