(from Ferrari Press Release)
The F2004 is the fiftieth car built by Ferrari to compete in the Formula
1 World Championship.
The project, which goes by the code number 655, represents a further
evolution of the concepts already seen in the F2003-GA. However, every
element of the car has been completely redesigned in an attempt to
create the best environment to get the most out of the new 053 engine
and the Bridgestone tyres. The aerodynamic configuration has been fine
tuned in the light of changes to the technical regulations, improving
the efficiency of the package. Furthermore the car boasts a lower centre
of gravity, while weight distribution has been improved as regards the
chassis and the engine.
The chassis is new, both in terms of design and construction. Its weight
has been reduced and it has an improved structure when compared with the
F2003-GA. The bodywork, exhausts and the rear end have been redesigned,
producing an improvement in aerodynamic performance. The front and rear
suspension has been revised in order to improve the vehicle’s dynamic
handling which leads to a greater efficiency in terms of getting the
most out of the Bridgestone tyres, while also optimising the performance
of the aerodynamic package. New materials have been used in the engine
and transmission in order to reduce its size and weight. Modifications
to the sporting regulations regarding the number of engines that can be
used in the course of a Grand Prix weekend set new targets for the 053
engine design project: achieving the optimum reliability level, even
though engine life now has to be double that in the past, while striving
to improve performance. Once again the engine is a stressed member and
is mounted longitudinally. Shell has played an important role in the
research and design of the 053 and in terms of reaching the performance
and reliability targets, coming up with new fuel and lubricants.
The transmission is once again mounted longitudinally to maintain the
same layout as on the F2003-GA. It is a completely new design, providing
a reduction in size and weight.
The titanium gearbox has seven speeds (plus reverse) and, because of
changes to the technical regulations, is operated directly by the
driver. In keeping with a trend initiated by Ferrari back in 1997, which
is now standard Formula 1 practice, the car features high-level
exhausts, but compared with previous versions, they are mounted nearer
the car’s centre line.
The F2004 represents a further step forward in the history of Ferrari’s
single seaters. A great deal of time and attention was paid to making
the most of the new materials and to optimising the various design
stages as well as the quality control methods, all aimed at improving
overall reliability and performance while making the car as safe as
possible.
Engine Type 053, V10, cylinder block in cast aluminium Total displacement 2,997 cm3 Timing gear Pneumatic distribution, 40 valves Fuel feed Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection Ignition Magneti Marelli static electronic ignition Transmission Ferrari longitudinal gearbox.
Limited-slip differential. Semiautomatic sequential electronically
controlled gearbox, 7 gears + riverse Chassis Carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure Suspension Independent suspension, push-rod activated
torsion springs front and rear Brakes Ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes Length 4545 mm Width 1796 mm Height 959 mm Wheelbase 3050 mm Front track 1470 mm Rear track 1405 mm Weight with water, lubricant and driver 605 kg Wheels (front and rear) 13”
