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Introducing the McLaren-Honda MP4-31

Explore MP4-31 and the mind-blowing science and technology behind an F1 car.

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MP4-31

MP4-31MP4-31

HELLO MP4-31

The striking and innovative MP4-31 chassis is a balance of remarkably elegant aerodynamic solutions, with a highly space-efficient integration of Honda’s new-for-2016 power unit.

Explore our new F1 car in detail and hear from McLaren-Honda drivers Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button ahead of the 2016 Formula 1 season.

Fernando Alonso
The start of a new season is always a special feeling, characterised by a lot of anticipation for the year ahead. This year is no different: I’m excited and raring to go.
Read more from the team >
Jenson Button
McLaren Racing’s paintshop is comprised of 14 skilled technicians – a team that is not only required to produce flawless work 100 per cent of the time, but also to turn projects around within extremely tight deadlines, all at a moment’s notice.
Read more on the story of F1 colour >

Available now

2016 Replica Teamwear

2016 Replica Teamwear

MP4-31 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Full technical details of the McLaren-Honda MP4-31, including power unit, chassis and transmission specification. View the MP4-31 tech spec

McLAREN APP

Keep up to speed with the McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team throughout the 2016 season with the official McLaren App. Download the McLaren App

Prototype Technology

06Prototype Technology

Prototype Technology

Our stereolithography (SLA) prototyping facilities uses lasers moving at 25m/s to heat-treat a bath of liquid photopolymer resin to rapidly form new components. Far quicker than conventional methods, this technique creates 400 new parts each week.

  • MP4-31 Electronics Info

    Supplied McLaren Applied Technologies, including chassis control, power unit control, data acquisition, sensors, data analysis and telemetry

  • MP4-31 Instruments Info

    Dashboard supplied by McLaren Applied Technologies

Prototype Technology
25m/s The number of metres per second our rapid-prototyping machines scan at to help us build 400 new components every week.

Let the world of Prototype Technology blow your F1 mind

Go on a journey of F1 tech innovation >
Power Unit

05Power Unit

Power Unit

Honda’s new RA616H power unit is comprised of 3,500 components, revs to 15,000rpm and reaches temperatures of 900degC when running at full throttle. Off the startline, it will reach 200km/h in less than five seconds.

  • Weight

    HONDA RA616H 145 kg

  • Capacity

    1.6 litres

  • Cylinders

    Six

  • Max RPM

    15,000 RPM

Power Unit
125,000RPM The number of times the Honda turbo-charger spins per minute.

Let the world of Power Unit blow your F1 mind

Explore the history of the F1 engine >
Fuels & Lubrications

04Fuels & Lubrications

Fuels & Lubrications

Mobil 1’s engine oil separates and cools more than 300 moving components, withstanding loadings more than 8,500 times greater than the force of gravity. Its gearbox oil separates gear ratios with a coating thinner than a human hair.

  • Fuel

    Esso™ Synergy Racing Fuel (5.75% bio fuel)

  • Gearbox

    Carbon-fibre composite main case, longitudinally mounted

  • Gear Lubricant

    Mobilube 1 SHC™ Racing Gear Oil - Low traction loss, high efficiency gear and bearing lubricant and coolant Chassis

Fuels & Lubrications
500 ESSO fuel is injected into the cylinders more than 500 times per second, enabling the car to reach 100km/h in 2.3 seconds.

Let the world of Fuels & Lubrications blow your F1 mind

Tell me how fuels & lubes enhance F1 performance >
Chassis

03Chassis

Chassis

In our carbon laboratories, we’re able to measure the tensile strength of carbon-fibre samples. This tiny strip withstood a force of 4.5 tonnes – far in excess of any requirement on the car – before failing, ripping itself apart with ballistic strength.

  • Monocoque

    Carbon-fibre composite, incorporating driver controls and fuel cell

  • Weight

    Overall vehicle weight 702kg (including driver, excluding fuel)
    Weight distribution between 45.5% and 46.5%

Chassis
34,000 We use this many linear metres of carbon fibre every year.

Let the world of Chassis blow your F1 mind

Watch the fascinating story of carbon fibre >
Manufacturing

02Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Mazak’s multi-axis machines have massively reduced the time required to manufacture components. In 2014, it took three men 12 hours to machine a single F1 wheelnut. With our new machines, we can produce one every two hours.

  • BODYWORK

    Carbon-fibre composite, including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing with driver-operated drag reduction system

  • Front & rear suspension

    Carbon-fibre wishbone and pushrod/pullrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system

Manufacturing
16,000 A grand prix car is the world’s most complex jigsaw puzzle, comprised of 16,000 individual parts.

Let the world of Manufacturing blow your F1 mind

Discover the secret life of an F1 component >
Simulation

01Simulation

Simulation

Every Formula 1 team tests intensively away from the racetrack. Our brake dyno is a perfect example of how we assess concepts and components before trying them in the heat of competition. But it’s only one of an increasingly important suite of simulation tools.

  • Brake system

    Featuring Akebono brake calipers
    and master cylinders, the Akebono
    ‘brake by wire’ rear brake control system,
    and carbon discs and pads

  • Clutch

    Electro-hydraulically operated, carbon multi-plate

  • SAFETY STRUCTURES

    Cockpit survival cell incorporating impact resistant construction and anti-penetration panels

Simulation
1,200°C At the limit, a carbon-fibre brake disc reaches peak temperatures of 1,200°C – hot enough to melt silver.

Let the world of Simulation blow your F1 mind

Find out how simulation saves laptime >