Mercedes AMG F1 W03

[Crucial_Xtreme]

Mercedes has arrived to Melbourne.

[Steven]

The rims discussion was split off to its own topic:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12212

And for the Tcar, check this topic:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=12221

[BlackScreener]

The gills are back...

[DAMNINice]

after all...

shark gills on the Melbourne version

[Huntresa]

after all...

shark gills on the Melbourne version

Yeah and its ALOT hotter in Melbourne then Barcelona in early March.

[pocketmoon]

forecast for weekend is cool(max 22!!)and possible showers

[Cocles]

So, what do those gills mean when it comes to quali and the race? Are we screwed, or could that just be bodywork they keep around for races with a hotter climate? Will they likely slow the car down a lot? Just a little?

At least they look more "designed" than "jalopied".

[mahesh248]

[quote="Cocles"]So, what do those gills mean when it comes to quali and the race? Are we screwed, or could that just be bodywork they keep around for races with a hotter climate? Will they likely slow the car down a lot? Just a little?

At least they look more "designed" than "jalopied".[/quote]

Gills would mostly mean for cooling specially when its around the engine cover area, why would they come up with something to slow the car down ? and not even a little I don't think so .

[e30ernest]

The gills seem very close to the exhaust outlet. I wonder, how it would affect air coming around the sidepod hitting the exhaust at that location?

[raymondu999]

why would they come up with something to slow the car down ? and not even a little I don't think so .

They wouldn't slow a car down on purpose. But if the car doesn't have enough cooling to run WITHOUT the gills (if the gills DO make the car slower) then they may have no choice.

[aral]

Why would gills slow down a car? In fact, they would have the opposite effect by speeding up airflow through the engine covers, thus releasing internal pressure that could actually cause drag. I am sure that the Mercedes designers would be aware of any likely disadvantage , and despite what some posters think, are on top of any problems that might exist.

[mahesh248]

[quote="raymondu999"][quote="mahesh248"]why would they come up with something to slow the car down ? and not even a little I don't think so .[/quote]
They wouldn't slow a car down on purpose. But if the car doesn't have enough cooling to run WITHOUT the gills (if the gills DO make the car slower) then they may have no choice.[/quote]

Well this car is more off an evolution than a revolution ,I am sure that if they had any cooling issue it would have be sorted out last season. They are being aggressive this season and wish to take all possible advantage they thing they will come with to the Ozzy GP

[MIKEY_!]

Gills can cause drag as the hot, turbulent air from the radiators disrupts flow over the bodywork and causes drag. The release of pressure from the sidepods mitigates this somewhat.

[NewtonMeter]

Why would gills slow down a car? In fact, they would have the opposite effect by speeding up airflow through the engine covers, thus releasing internal pressure that could actually cause drag. I am sure that the Mercedes designers would be aware of any likely disadvantage , and despite what some posters think, are on top of any problems that might exist.

Well in a straight line you're probably right. The problem is, the gills might disturb airflow to the rear of the car and decrease downforce.

So you'll be slightly better in a straight line, but worse in the corners.

Is this what will happen, I've no idea (and certainly don't hope so). But I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility.

[wjpbill]

What if the position of those gills and the very tight coke bottle backend allows more airflow to the diffuser?