Dallara has unveiled the latest addition to its long
line of successful Formula 3 single-seaters; with the
new F312 the Italian constructor hopes that it can
continue its winning monopoly across the globe in this
important junior category.
The new for the 2012 season F312
has made its debut this month at the Autosport
International show, held at the Birmingham NEC.
Dallara says that the F312 is
the result of a fundamental rethinking of the
aerodynamics and the key mechanical components of its F3
cars. For Dallara the F312 will be a hugely important
car and is charged with upholding the winning tradition
of decades of worldwide Formula 3 competition.
The F312
features
new
aerodynamics achieved utilising a 50 percent model and
an in depth CFD analysis approach.
The front suspension is also new and comes with torsion
bar road-springs. The system is designed to be both
compact and light and fits inside the monocoque in front
of the pedals. Particular attention has been paid to the
installation stiffness. The system features an
adjustable rebound stop that therefore also allows the
springs to be preloaded. The rear suspension, meanwhile,
has been reworked in order to make it more rigid and
enhance its performance.
Both the
front and rear uprights and hubs have been upgraded to
cope better with the car’s performance level while the
new regulations covering an F3 car's bodywork have
modified the F312’s appearance so that it resembles
contemporary F1 cars.
Other major changes
regard safety. The headrest and side intrusion
protection is similar to the current F1 standard, with
the 16 layer Zylon side panels.
Also, in reaction to the challenging economic
climate, the new F312 will be cheaper to run, and this
is mainly thanks to the new FIA 2012 regulations which
Dallara supported in full. The new car will be more
economic, above all in terms of maintenance due to the
fact that improved quality has increased the life of key
running components. Also as a consequence of the new
regulations, the brakes, the simplified bodywork
appendages and gearbox will all be easier to manage and
therefore the running costs for the new car will be
considerably reduced.
