F1technical.net

How much of F1 technology actually has migrated/been incorporated into modern day automobiles?

Can you name a few technologies that have made the move?

Back in the turbo era Honda changed their engine block construction from the traditional alloy block and steel cylinder liners to a metal matrix composite construction. This racing technology is now used in many of their production vehicles.
http://www.saffil.com/pdfs/automotive/data/mmcprop.pdf

Carbon fibre (started in aerospace, developed further in F1).
Sequential gearboxes.
Probably several components of the IC engine - like pneumatics (surely they're on road cars).
Ground effect aerodynamics - there are diffusers on some cars etc, not to mention the use of spoilers etc.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head

Fly-by-wire throttle, traction control, active suspension (Renault, early 90's), and many advancements in tire technology.

Also, many roads are now much safer, partly thanks to racing (not only F1 of course). Just like in racing, modern highways are built on the principle that if you for some reason lose control of your vehicle, you shouldn't normally have to pay for the mistake with your life.

Have carbon fibres actually made it common cars? I always thought they still use Aluminium and other alloys for the body.

starshades wrote:Have carbon fibres actually made it common cars? I always thought they still use Aluminium and other alloys for the body.

CF hasn't made it to common road cars as of yet, but many production sports cars such as the BMW M3 and the C6 Corvette Z06 use CF throughout many areas. Even though in many cases pure CF is not used, but instead they use Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic.

Although many higher end sports cars use features mentioned by JVogt and Roland, as standard equipment.

Two more: Electronic Differentials (i.e. F430)
Mid-engine mounting
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A little OT, but check out this pic of a Z06 catching some air on the Nurburgring.
http://www.z06zone.com/2006Corvette-C6-Z06-006.jpg
Courtesy of Z06 Zone

i would imagine more of the cfd and other software systems to design and implement
innovations has filtered through into the production techniques rather than the actual 'a brake bias switch from a fw 24 or summit' 'or a front wing from a mp22'

that and the production techniques

again my 2p no facts to support it