I heard this on SpeedVision. In 2002 teams will be able to use digital two way communication with the car that will facilitate changes on the car, on the fly. This will allow for engine management (map) changes, traction control, and no telling what else. This system is supposed to be secure, but you have to wonder the consequence of one team hacking another teams codes. I also wonder about the failure of this sort of system. I hope that the system can maintain some sort of safe default that prevents the machine from killing it's driver. I don't like the sound of this. If you know about this please shed some light on the topic. I wonder how long before drivers are replaced by diodes?

 

Sounds like a part of technology that won't last too long. never know, could last all season, could last only two races. I predict: 4 races, then its banned and canned.

Not sure how engine mapping would really effect the drivers, but what about the suspension changes, stiffness changes to induce/reduce oversteer/understeer as the weight of the fuel goes down. I know other racing sanctions have in-cockpit adjustable bars, and I believe the IndyCar/CART sanctions do as well, but does F1? Or will this be a part of it?

 

2002, An F-1 Odyssey?

 

actually lv, there was something similar years ago. I believe it was about 7 years ago: there was a mini van built with an f1 tranny/engine and suspension and ran as a pace car. was very cool, I'll see if I can find some pictures or any info on it.

 

Randy....there were a couple. Renault built one with the Renault F1 engine, and more recently, I seem to recall that Ford built one out of a Transit Van.

 

Not sure about the Ford concept, but here's a picture of the Renault Escape F1. The 'Van' used the complete underpinnings and engine of the '94 Williams Renault. Not sure if the active suspension was used though. 0-60 times where said to be under 3sec. Alain Prost did quite a few PR blasts in it with the media similar to the two seater McLaren/Minardi's & three seat Arrows.

 

yeup! that's the one! thanks Cheetah and Sime! =D

if I get married and have kids, that will be the soccer-mom-mobile! =D

 

btw, you can tell the age of the picture: looks like its Schumi's old Benneton in the background.

 

FOUND IT!!!!!!!!!

Announcing the the 1996 Ford Transit Supervan3.................

Body: Composite over aluminium honeycomb chassis
Engine: Cosworth HB 3.5L 72 degree V8
Power: 730 BHP @ 13,500 RPM
Rev Limit: 13,800
Transmission: Benetton 6 speed, Quaife LSD, AP twin plate sintered metal clutch
Suspension: Independant all round with top and bottom wishbones, coil over shocks, front and rear anti-roll bars
Brakes: Brembo 11" Carbon discs and pads, Brembo 4 spot calipers
Wheels: OZ cast magnesium 13"x10" front 13"x12" rear
Weight: 890kg (1958lbs)
0-60: under 3 seconds!!!

Scroll down to the bottom of this page:
http://members.tripod.com/~racingstuff/masters.html





http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/~ritzsite/M...sters/demos.htm

The Ford company took to the track with the 3rd revision of the Supervan. The Supervan series started in the seventies when a Transit delivery van was fitted with formula one technology. Every decade since, a new Supervan was developed with current bodywork and technology. This Supervan is the latest in the series and has an Ford Cosworth V10 racing engine in its cargo space, driving the rear wheels. The engine is quite similar to that in the Steward Grand Prix cars; it even broke down after a few laps.

By the way, this is the older 1984 Supervan that Ford made:


Engine: Cosworth DFL 3.9L V8
Power: 500 BHP

They also made one in 1974 that had a Ford 302 5L V8 with 400 BHP.


___________________________
Haul the kids to school in THAT!!!!! That's one soccer-mom van I won't mess with!!

 

I believe this is part of the FIA's attempt to use F1 to promote remote car control. It's been widely publicised in the UK that the FIA believe that the only way to promote safe driving is to remove the possibility of speeding from the driver. Max Mosley is quoted as saying that part of the battle in winning over public perception is to use premier motor sport events. He's stated that F1 pit lane speeds restricted remotely will be one of the first, complete with "safety car" speed limits imposed remotely. I'll give it a couple of years before this is introduced....