2006 McLaren Mercedes MP4-21
August 2004: First engine design
meeting
October 2004: Engine specification first issue
April 2005: Layout work started on MP4-21
First design meeting
Mid April 2005: Gearbox simulation
May 2005: Car specification first issue
First scheming of gearbox
15th June 2005: First dyno test for V8 engine
Early July 2005: Windtunnel work commences
July 2005: First drawing for gearbox
August 2005: Datum sheet Issue, final dimensions
September 2005: First track test for Mercedes-Benz V8 engine
Gearbox production begun
October 2005: Chassis manufacturing begun
November 2005: Car mock-up ready: Chassis
Initial engine
Final engine
December 2005: First chassis ready for bonding
FIA test on first chassis
First car build started
January 2006: First full power gearbox dyno test
First car build finished
First track test of MP4-21
March 2006: Final shakedown before first race
3rd March 2006: Cars depart McLaren Technology Centre for first
race
Engine
Type: Mercedes-Benz FO 108S
No. of cylinders: 8
Fuel: Mobil Unleaded
Lubricants: Mobil 1 products
Weight: 95kg
Transmission
Gearbox Speeds: Seven forward and one reverse
Semi-auto: Yes
Driveshafts: McLaren
Clutch: Hand-operated
Chassis: McLaren moulded carbon fibre/aluminium honeycomb
composite incorporating front and
side impact structures. Contains integral safety fuel cell.
Front Suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated
by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement.
Rear Suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated
by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement.
Suspension dampers: McLaren.
Electronics: McLaren Electronic Systems control units
incorporating electronics for chassis, engine and data acquisition.
McLaren Electronic Systems also supplies the electronic dash board,
alternator
voltage control, sensors, data analysis and telemetry systems.
Bodywork Construction: One-piece sidepod and engine cover.
Separate floor section, structural nose with integral front wing.
Tyres: Michelin
Radios: Kenwood
Race Wheels: Enkei
Batteries: GS Yuasa Corporation
Steering: McLaren power-assisted
Instruments: McLaren Electronic Systems
Adhesives: Henkel Technologies