2016 Auto Expo: Racecars showcased at the event

McLaren Honda MP4-30 F1 car:

The MP4-30 was one of the showstoppers at the Expo. On display at the Honda pavilion, the MP4-30 Formula one car marks the re-union of McLaren and Honda back in the F1 championship. The racecar is built from carbon fibre composite monocoque chassis and is powered by the Honda RA615H engine. The 1.6-litre six-cylinder turbo-charged engine is mated to an eight-speed gearbox with electro-hydraulically operated seamless shifter. The overall weight of the vehicle is 702 kg including the driver but excluding fuel. The car uses integrated hybrid energy recovery system via motor generator units to use the re-generated power which is stored in the Lithium-ion batteries.

Toyota TS040 Hybrid Le Mans racecar: 

Built on a carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb monocoque, the TS040 is a racecar that was developed by Toyota in 2012 for 24 Hours Le Mans. Toyota has introduced the TS040 to participate in FIA World Endurance Championship, making it the first petrol-powered hybrid car by the manufacturer to compete in the Le Mans race. The TS040 draws its power from a 3.7-litre V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine and a supercapacitor system which is mounted on the rear axle, together capable of producing 1000PS of maximum power. The same supercapacitor system was later added to the front axle making the hybrid racecar to temporarily perform as a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The hybrid engine is mated to a 7-speed sequential transmission.

Mercedes W04 Formula One car:

The Mercedes pavilion had the W04 F1 car that was used in the 2013 season of Formula One and was driven by Lewis Hamilton. The chassis of the W04 F1 car is built from moulded carbon fibre composite monocoque which also incorporates front and side impact structures. Suspension components at the front are pushrod type and at the rear are pullrod type. Firepower for the W04 is achieved from a 2.4-litre V8 which pushes out 841.5PS of power with the combined input from kinetic energy recovery system (KERS). The transmission used in the F1 car is a 7-speed semi-automatic delivering power to the rear wheels. The overall weight of the Mercedes W04 F1 car is only 642 kg thanks to the use of ultra-light weight components. The W04 was the last V8 F1 car built by Mercedes for Formula One Championship.

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Datsun Bluebird 1600SSS 510 Rally car:

Datsun has a well-known history in the past for participating in several rally events. The manufacturer wanted to portray the rich heritage of the brand, which is why the Bluebird 1600SS 510 Rally car was present at the event. The Datsun 510 belonged to the Bluebird range which was introduced back in the late 60s. The car generated a lot of recognition in Rally Championship and had also claimed the title for the most popular production car to be used in multiple racing events. Powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder in-line engine, the 510 would churn out 100PS of power at 5,600rpm and 132Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. In those days the engine was mated to a floor-mounted 4-speed gearbox.

Mahindra M2Electro Formula E car:

Mahindra Racing is the first Indian team to participate in the FIA Formula E Championship. Mahindra had the M2Electro Formula E racecar on display at the event. The new M2Electro will be seen participating in the Formula E car championship which will start two weeks from now. The electric racecar employs a motor which has been developed jointly with McLaren to deliver maximum power (electronically limited) of 273.8PS and 150Nm of torque. The M2electro is capable of reaching 100kmph from standstill in less than 3 seconds. The chassis is made of carbon fibre with an aluminium honeycomb structure. The overall weight of the car along with the driver stands at 888kg. Mahindra’s sole purpose in participating in the Formula E Championship series is to develop the next generation of electric road cars.