NEW CAR, NEW CHALLENGE
The Honda Racing F1 Team's RA108 and new-look livery
At the launch of the new Honda RA108 on the 29 January, 2008, Honda laid out its plans for 2008 and the longer-term, reaffirming its commitment to the sport and underlining the determination of a revitalised team to realise its ambitions. The team's 2008 challenge sees a substantial evolution in three key areas, the most fundamental of which is a directional step change in the car design philosophy.
The entire process from concept to launch has been re-evaluated. The new car is a considered response to the challenges of 2007, benefiting from the combined resources of the Honda Racing F1 Team's three bases in Brackley and Bracknell in the UK and the Honda R&D center at Tochigi in Japan.
The RA108 is also the product of a strengthened engineering team, combining the depth of experience of the existing resource with new and wide-ranging expertise in key areas under the leadership of new Team Principal Ross Brawn. In turn the team will benefit from the continuity provided by the race driver pairing of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello for a third successive season. Combined with the development talents of Test and Reserve Driver Alex Wurz, Honda will field the most experienced driver line-up on the Formula One grid.
The launch of the RA108 and its livery also saw the introduction of the team's earthdreams programme. earthdreams is the evolution of the award winning myearthdream concept launched in 2007 and represents the next stage of Honda's long term commitment to harnessing the passion of Formula One and its partners to provide support and investment for good causes through a unique cause related marketing initiative.
RA108 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION CHASSIS
Construction Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure
Suspension Wishbone & pushrod-activated torsion springs & rockers
Dampers Showa
Wheels BBS forged magnesium
Tyres Bridgestone Potenza
Brakes Alcon calipers
Brake discs/pads Carbon/Carbon
Steering Honda power assisted Rack & Pinion
Steering wheel Honda carbon fibre construction
Electronics FIA standard ECU & FIA homologated electronic & electrical system
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox Carbon composite maincase: 7-speed unit, Honda internals
Gear selection Sequential, semi-automatic, hydraulic activation
Clutch Carbon plate
DIMENSIONS
Overall length 4700mm
Overall height 950mm
Overall width 1800mm
ENGINE
Name Honda RA808E
Displacement 2.4 liters
Configuration V8 - naturally aspirated
Vee angle 90 degrees
Maximum power More than 700 ps
Maximum revs 19,000 rpm
Valve train 4 valves per cylinder - pneumatic valve system
Throttle system Electronic hydraulically-operated system
Spark Plugs NGK
Oil ENEOS
Honda's Geneva Stand
In addition to the Accord display, FCX Clarity and CR-Z debuts, the Honda stand will have a plethora of current Honda production and competition models displayed.
The competition zone will feature the 2008 RA108 Honda F1 car along with the 1967 RA300 Honda F1 car. Supporting the F1 machines is Honda's newly developed Civic Type R R3 rally car, which has been built to meet the latest FIA Group R3 homologation regulations.
Honda Accessories will have an exciting display of all of the latest clothing, equipment and vehicle accessories to complete the look of the car or its owner.
Honda will also be displaying cars from its current range including the Civic 5-door, Civic Type R and Type S, FR-V, CR-V, S2000, Jazz and Legend.
- Honda, also photo -
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