MP4-24, McLaren revealed, KERS

At its Woking, U.K. headquarters today, the Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes team officially revealed its totally revised 2009 Formula 1 contender, called the MP4-24. As expected, the car wears a completely new aerodynamic package to accommodate the slick racing tires, as well as power-boosting Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).

Like the newly disclosed Ferrari F60 and Toyota TF109, the Mercedes-Benz racer most strikingly features a wider front wing, a narrower and taller rear spoiler and no ancillary 'winglets.' The driver is also given the ability to adjust the degree of downforce applied by the front wing in order to garner faster cornering and straightaway speeds.

Underneath all the fancy carbon body work resides the highly talked about (and controversial) KERS system. Created over the course of two years, the energy recovery technology is said to recycle braking force in order to provide an 80-hp boost in overtaking power. The extra oomph can shave an estimated 0.3 to 0.5 seconds per lap if used correctly.

McLaren's competitor is powered by a 2.4L V-8 that's been restricted to a FIA mandated 18,000 rpm. Despite its small displacement, the racing motor churns out around 800 hp and is mated to an ultra-quick seven-speed sequential gearbox.

On a separate but related note, immediately following the car's introduction, McLaren F1 team principle Ron Dennis announced his intentions to leave the team's head position in order to focus on other, more demanding McLaren Group projects. He will be replaced by McLaren Group COO Martin Whitmarsh who has been labeled as Dennis' right hand man.

Dennis has no intention of leaving F1 altogether and will attend races throughout the season.

"Let me make one thing clear: this is very definitely not retirement," said Dennis in an interview with the F1 Web site. "In fact, I intend to work even harder from now on. And it's because I intend to work even harder -- on growing the McLaren Group -- that I've decided to pass the role of Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to Martin."

"In any case, this announcement won't change a great deal because, in his capacity as Chief Operating Officer of McLaren Group, Martin and I already jointly take all the major decisions that affect this company. What today's decision means is that Martin will now become solely responsible for the performance of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and will be entrusted to ensure the team remains a competitive force in Formula One motor racing."

"As for myself, I will continue to expand and develop my role as McLaren Group Chairman and still intend to go to some, but not all, Grands Prix because I remain a diehard enthusiast. Motor racing is in my blood -- and nothing will dilute my passion for either the sport or the success of this company."

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pic 1: MP4-24, McLaren Side
pic 2: MP4-24, McLaren Front up 2009

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pic 1: MP4-24, McLaren 2009
pic 2: Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen MP4-24, McLaren 2009

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pic 1: Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen MP4-24, McLaren 2009
pic 2: Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen MP4-24, McLaren 2009

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pic 1: Lewis Hamilton, Pedro de la Rosa, Gary Paffett, Heikki Kovalainen MP4-24, McLaren 2009
pic 2: Lewis Hamilton, Pedro de la Rosa, Gary Paffett, Heikki Kovalainen MP4-24, McLaren 2009