Hello fellow Kerbonauts! Today, I am excited to present my creation: a stock Formula One Car built within Kerbal Space Program (KSP). While exploring other KSP F1 car designs online, I felt inspired to construct my own version from scratch. This is the result of that endeavor.
My Formula One car is meticulously modeled after the 2016 Mercedes Benz F1 W08, the championship-winning car driven by Rosberg and Hamilton. This virtual replica mirrors the iconic design of the Mercedes W08, which dominated both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships.
In terms of dimensions, my stock KSP Formula One car measures 5.9 meters in length, 1.7 meters in height, and 2.6 meters in width. For added functionality within KSP, it features a docking port at the rear, enabling it to connect with spacecraft. I strived to maintain size accuracy relative to the real W08 as closely as possible. The car weighs in at 3.699 tons, which is heavier than a real Formula One car, but reflects the constraints and materials of KSP. The KerbalX version includes a Mk1 Command Pod attached to the rear docking port, which slightly alters the mass and size data in the downloadable file.
Technically, this Formula One car utilizes an eight-wheel-drive system. The additional wheels are incorporated to enhance the visual resemblance to the thick tires of a real F1 car. Power is supplied by a reliable radioisotope generator, eliminating the need for solar panels. While fuel cells and liquid fuel tanks are included in the design, they are primarily for aesthetic purposes and are kept empty to minimize weight. However, users can opt to fill them and activate the fuel cells if desired. This design results in the most stable and maneuverable rover I have ever engineered in KSP, largely attributed to the eight-wheel configuration. The strategically placed spoilers are designed to generate virtual downforce, enhancing ground adhesion, although this effect is not applicable on celestial bodies like the Mun, where aerodynamics are absent. Despite the lack of aerodynamic downforce on the Mun, the car remains safely drivable even in low gravity environments.
For those interested in experiencing this virtual Formula One car in Kerbal Space Program, a download link is available here: https://kerbalx.com/SpaceTrashCan/Formula-One-Car
Enjoy these additional images showcasing the stock Formula One car in action:
