Formula One car development blog
Another improvement to Toyota front wing
Toyota have introduced yet another front wing development at Magny Cours. In fact the team has a modified front wing at almost every circuit. The version for the French Grand Prix was very different to the one run at Canada (upper image) but resembles in some aspects the Monaco version. The main plane for instance retained a similar profile (1) while the spoon shape was also identical (2).
There are however also brand new changes to the wing, all mainly aimed at improving stability under pitch to improve handling over the curbstones. A first is the upward curve on the outer extremities of the base plane (3). The team also finally got rid of the inward curve of the end plates (4) while the horizontal panel is now flat on the leading edge and curved ahead of the front wheel (5), opposite to the previous design.
Toyota use regulation loophole for rear wing
In an attempt to maximise downforce, Toyota have designed a new rear wing that holds an extra slot in the middle of the wingspan. The team thereby use a loophole in the regulations that stipulate two closed elements for the rear wing. Since the rule applies only to the wing between 150mm and 480mm of the centreline, an extra slot was possible. This allows the wing in that area to be steeper without risking to stall it.
Additionally, you can also see in the picture that Toyota had a double top wing on the airbox, rather than the usual single aerofoil. While one or two years ago this was very common, today it is a rarity.
New high downforce front wing for Toyota
Traditionally at Monaco, all teams add downforce wherever they can. Toyota have taken a major step as they have a new rear wing, again the inboard mirrors and this new front wing. Above is the new Monaco spec, which clearly has more surface to its main plane (the little cutout as marked on the Turkey spec was left out). Apart from that, the base plane was also altered and now a little more curvy around the spoon shape and at the outer extremities. The outer changes are particularly interesting to reduce pitch sensitivity, an important factor at Monaco due to the softer suspension setups.
An extended sidepod panel for Toyota too
Just like Renault copied BMW Sauber's idea already at the beginning of the season, Toyota have now also seen the light and produced a similar item for their TF108. In fact it looks very similar to Renault's sidepod panel extension. On top of that, as indicated in the image, the panel's leading edge is curved slightly inwards on its lower half of the newly added panel. This detail helps to direct air around the sidepods and towards the gearbox area.
Also in their new package update, Toyota have slightly changed their painting scheme as they no longer leave the closed chimneys unpainted, but instead have it painted all red. Hopefully for the car's performance, it means that the chimneys won't have to be opened up anymore.
And again... back to outboard mirrors
It start to look like Toyota is playing a game with us. All the way through 2007, the team used standard mirrors attached to the cockpit sides. Then, at their TF108 launch, it was with great surprise to see that they had chosen to move the mirrors outboard and fix them onto the sidepod panels, similar to Renault's solution on their R27. However, the first three races were again run with a more conventional system. A temporary measure it seems as a completely new design was unpacked at Barcelona. The team decided that, while their launch solution probably wasn't solid enough, the aerodynamic benefits of outboard mirrors by far outweigh the extra efforts that needed to be made. The results is displayed in the image, which clearly shows the pylon connecting the mirror directly on the sidepod, just like at Ferrari. It is however surprising that the mirror covers themselves have hardly changed through their different solutions.
Toyota ditch outboard mirrors on TF108
Toyota have ditched their outboard mirrors in favour of a traditional layout that the team has been used to. At the launch, the TF108 was unveiled with mirrors attached to the sidepod panels, similar to Renault's solution in 2007. After Renault removed them, Toyota have also reverted to putting the mirrors close to the driver. McLaren last year also tested outboard mirrors on several occasions but opted against them because the drivers preferred othewise. It is believed to be the same from the TF108.
A brand new bridge wing for Toyota
Despite late season efforts to improve the front wing by developing nose-attached upper elements, Toyota have opted to go the other way around and turn to a bridge wing that swoops over a lower nose. In fact Toyota cars have never had such a low nose at their launches. As marked in the image, it is vital to know that the wing is downforce neutral in the centre and there only acts as a stabiliser. Also marked is the thick main plate of the front wing, constructed so that it can carry a considerable amount of ballast (estimated at up to 20kg). Note that the endplates and wing profile are still similar to the most recent TF107.
TF108 follows trend to move mirrors outboard
Toyota have visibly learned a lot from Renault's R27, especially in the sidepod area. Similar to the R27, the mirrors are now also attached to the sidepod shields, albeit a little more detached from the air-guiding panel (1). In fact they have also taken measures not to be warned by the FIA for too vibrant mirrors. While Renault had to add a small strut, the TF108 has its sidepod panel attached with two firm carbon fibre connections (2). Additionally, the rear wheel flipup has extended more to the front of the sidepod (3), almost as long as was the case with the R27.
Toyota focus on aerodynamics in suspension
While a focus on aerodynamics in mechanical parts of the car may sounds like a contradiction, it can greatly reduce drag. The new TF108 certainly stands out from previous Toyota cars as it has been improved and simplified all over the body. As marked in the picture, the new version is still a zero keel suspension-wise but has turning vanes extending on the keels. All suspension arms have also been revised (you can see the old version in the inset) while the geometry has remained largely unchanged. Small improvements have however required that the top of the nose is now slightly bulged where the push rod attaches.
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