Renault R31

[RH1300S]

First - it's worth saying that the orange 'glow' in those photos is obviously paint. So that opening may or may not be exhaust.

One thing I would be interested to know is just what effect that long exhaust would have on engine performance. Do we have anyone here who could speculate?

Typical 'bar expert' theory says that a longer exhaust suits making power at lower revs. Obviously the header pipes to the collector are still likely to be short, but the tailpipe from collector to atmosphere would be pretty long.

[horse]

You can see the cut out in the floor in this image:

[creedbratton]

Does anyone know what the inlets on either side of the airbox are for?

[manchild]

Orange stickers, not flame, not glowing pipe.



They have them on rims too:

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/u ... 2011-1.jpg

[myurr]

Does anyone know what the inlets on either side of the airbox are for?

Cooling air for the oil radiator I believe.

[mith]

It's just my speculation, but well... It wont harm I guess

So, I've marked potential exhaust pipe with white contour. The pink line marks cut in the floor, where you can see the ground.

I think exhaust might be positioned into that cut, bit lower then the floor surface. Red line is not a split in the exhaust as this would be rather illegal. I put it there to mark how the floor edge could split exhaust gases. The yellow arrows marks how might behave part of the gases that are blown over the floor. They're - in my opinion - being directed around sidepods by the curvature in the floor as well as by the sidepod deflector. The light blue arrows marks the route for the part of gases that goes under the floor. They will probably go under the curved part of the floor. I don't know what could be the benefits of directing part of the gases there. Maybe it's to seal that part of the floor and mimic skirts to get something like a ground effect? But it's rather wild guess

I'm waiting for opinions from more technical guys here.

[i70q7m7ghw]

I'm not convinced any of these pictures are showing the actual exhaust exit. Scarbs seems to think it exits at a completely different angle, and in a place where none of these pictures clearly show.

If it does exit to the front of the car, it's not visible in these images, but it is most likely in that area.

[mith]

Does anyone know what the inlets on either side of the airbox are for?

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/u ... 2011-1.jpg

From that angle nose looks really reminiscent of old Benettons like B195.

Those inlets are for cooling purposes. Someone speculated they might be for cooling KERS, but I'm not that sure.

[kilcoo316]

I don't know what could be the benefits of directing part of the gases there. Maybe it's to seal that part of the floor and mimic skirts to get something like a ground effect? But it's rather wild guess

I'm waiting for opinions from more technical guys here.

Yep, your spot on, that is what they are trying to do (mimic the effect of skirts).

Another possibility is pointing the exhausts outboard at around the splitter location, in an attempt to better "seal" off the floor of the car; think fluidic sideskirts. That would also correlate with the re-introduction of the positive camber "wing" ahead of the sidepod at floor level. But you want that (exhaust) air to be very high energy to induce a strong longitudinal vortex down the side of the car.

[FrukostScones]

the Renault is sounding very "unhealthy" according to Auto-Motor-und-Sport.de

[Neno]

the Renault is sounding very "unhealthy" according to Auto-Motor-und-Sport.de

R31 takes its first bow. The best sounding car in the pit lane thanks to our innovative exhaust system! http://yfrog.com/gzyvkufj

[ESPImperium]

Better pics here: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/02/01/r ... -pictured/

[THENOMAD79]

I don't know what could be the benefits of directing part of the gases there. Maybe it's to seal that part of the floor and mimic skirts to get something like a ground effect? But it's rather wild guess

I'm waiting for opinions from more technical guys here.

Yep, your spot on, that is what they are trying to do (mimic the effect of skirts).

Another possibility is pointing the exhausts outboard at around the splitter location, in an attempt to better "seal" off the floor of the car; think fluidic sideskirts. That would also correlate with the re-introduction of the positive camber "wing" ahead of the sidepod at floor level. But you want that (exhaust) air to be very high energy to induce a strong longitudinal vortex down the side of the car.

Why should he exhaust all the way forward?
Why would the exhaust system was a 2000 mm long, if it will create resistance to exhaust gases and cause a drop in engine power, to get a little bit on aerodynamics?

[FrukostScones]

Better pics here: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/02/01/r ... -pictured/

they are insane... already it is causing major problems..., according to "ams" Renault is working with heavy equipment on the exaust, Kubica stays silent and is smiling

[imightbewrong]

Yes we all see it, it's the back of the barge board. End.

Clear pictures please.

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/02/01/r ... -pictured/

There you go, so, not the back of the barge board, "as all could see"