Alpine F1’s 2022 F1 machine “A522” has a different bodywork from the other machines announced so far.
Notable for the Alpine A522 is the short side pods, which are completely separated from the rear-extending engine cover and tilt significantly downwards. The two parts never converge at the rear of the machine.
New power unit
The engine cover covers Renault’s all-new F1 power unit, which adopted a split turbo system about eight years after Mercedes introduced the concept in the first year of the hybrid era.
The ERS system is significantly lighter than before and has significantly reduced cooling requirements for the entire package. This allows for a cooling package that is 15% smaller than before, eliminating the unsightly bulbous engine cover found on the A521.
Characteristic aerodynamics
Cooling louvers are lined up on the lower side of the engine cover in the inboard part and on the side pods. On their front outboards, the top of the side pods, there are additional louvers before the pods tilt sharply downwards to accelerate the airflow between the rear wheel and the diffuser outlet. There are no louvers on this slope of the side pods.
So far, the other 22 cars have either louvered downward sloping pods or relatively flat side pod tops with louvers. The Alpine A522 was able to incorporate both descending ramps and louvers by sharply separating the engine cover area from the side pods.
Aerodynamically, it features a slim nose with very rounded sides, which helps to direct airflow down the nose more effectively than straight edges. I don’t know if the renderer wing and radiator inlets are the same as the real car, but these inlets are slate like Ferrari.
The bottom is heavily undercut to accelerate the flow of air around the sides of the side pods. The suspension retains the traditional front / push rod and rear / pull rod layouts. The details around the edges of the floor are very bland, suggesting that they are different from the actual car.
Alpine F1 is planning a shakedown of the A522 at the Catalunya circuit on Tuesday, February 22nd, and more details should be available.
Category: Category: F1 / Alpine / F1 machine