S2KI Honda S2000 Forums - 2004 BAR Honda F1 Challenger

B.A.R Honda 006 - UNLEASHED
Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda believes it is can provide a credible challenge to the top three teams with its all-new B.A.R Honda 006 car, launched today (Sunday) at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya. The new car represents another major performance step - one which Team Principal David Richards predicts will see B.A.R fighting for regular podium places in 2004.
The success of last year's car was the result of a dramatic improvement in engineering standards, which enabled the team to move up from eighth to fifth place in the Championship, marking them out as the season's most improved team. A significant evolution of the 005, the B.A.R Honda 006 is a further step forward in design and build quality and the product of a more challenging and innovative approach.
The new chassis is stiffer and has a lower centre of gravity. It also features a smaller fuel capacity to reflect the revised qualifying rules and raised pit lane speeds. The biggest single development is the new gearbox. It features a full carbon-composite maincase, together with narrow, lightweight gear ratios which afford a very substantial weight reduction at the rear of the car. There are further weight-saving features throughout, with greater use of MMC (metal matrix composite), innovative upright design, simplified internal suspension components, and a refined and better integrated hydraulics system.
The new engine and chassis allow a slightly shorter wheelbase, and the aerodynamic package has been optimised. B.A.R has used the results of track testing last year to identify a new strategy for aerodynamic development, and the new car has been developed in the wind tunnel using these new techniques. Although the change of aerodynamic regulations has slowed down the pace of improvement, the new car shows clear performance advantages in the tunnel over its predecessor.
Honda has produced a new engine to meet the challenge of the single-engine rule introduced for the first time this season. Although similar in concept to the 2003 unit, it too is a completely revised design, with much smaller dimensions, reduced weight and a lower centre of gravity.
For 2004, B.A.R has also forged a new partnership with French tyre supplier Michelin. The team has conducted an extensive programme of tyre development during winter testing in readiness for their debut season together, using nearly 1,000 tyres during 10,000 kilometres of testing.
Getting their first taste of the B.A.R Honda 006 today were new team-mates Jenson Button and Takuma Sato - one of the youngest driver pairings on the 2004 grid. Despite having only recently turned 24 years of age, Jenson is entering his fifth season in Formula One in the role of B.A.R's team leader. Following Takuma's excellent, if somewhat impromptu, race debut for the team in Japan at the end of last season, he is looking forward to benefiting from his wealth of testing experience in his second full season of racing in F1.

LUCKY STRIKE B.A.R HONDA 006 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CHASSIS
Construction: Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure that surpasses latest FIA impact and strength regulations
Front suspension: Wishbone & pushrod-activated torsion springs and rockers, mechanical anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: Wishbone & pushrod-activated torsion springs and rockers, mechanical anti-roll bar
Dampers: Koni
Wheels: BBS forged magnesium. Front: 312mm wide; Rear: 360mm wide
Tyres: Michelin
Brakes: Alcon. Front: 2 x 6-piston calipers; Back: 2 x 6-piston calipers
Brake discs/pads: Carbon/carbon
Steering: B.A.R power assisted Rack & Pinion
Steering wheel: B.A.R carbon fibre construction
Driver's seat: Anatomically formed carbon composite
Seat belts: Six-point harness (75mm shoulder straps with HANS system)
Fuel cell: ATL kevlar-reinforced rubber bladder
Fuel capacity: 150 litre
Battery: 3Ah Lead Acid
Instrumentation: B.A.R steering wheel dash display
ENGINE
Name: Honda RA004E
Displacement: 3.0 litres
Configuration: V10, naturally aspirated
Vee angle: 90 degrees
Maximum power: Over 900 ps
Maximum revs: Over 18,500 rpm
Valve train: 4 valves per cylinder; pneumatic valve system
Injection system: Honda PGM-FI
Throttle system: Electronic hydraulically-operated system
Ignition system: Honda PGM-IG
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox: B.A.R maincase - 7-speed unit, Honda & XTrac internals
Gear selection: Sequential, semi-automatic, hydraulic activation
Clutch: Carbon plate
DIMENSIONS
Front track: 1460mm
Rear track: 1420mm
Wheel base: 3140mm
Overall length: 4465mm
Overall height: 950mm
Overall width: 1800mm