Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have taken the wraps off the all-new 2012 MacLaren Formula 1 design.

While on first glance the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 closely resembles last year’s multiple race-winning car, the 2012 chassis has been substantially revised and updated.

Thought to be one of the most advanced cars on the grid, the car’s striking design is likely to draw attention.

MP4-27 features

The most evident visual differences include more tightly-waisted rear bodywork, developed to improve flow to the rear of the car, and a revised cooling system, which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler.

Last year’s U-shaped sidepods have also been re-designed – a legacy of the FIA’s new exhaust regulations that redefine the shape of the rear bodywork.

Much attention is also being paid to the McLaren’s exhaust exit which sits a long way outboard of the cars sidepods, with the major change to exhaust regulations for 2012, this could be one of the major areas for car development this season.

Of course all tech-based talk aside it is a fantastic thing to look at with a certain menacing T-1000 look about it. For more information head over to Racecar Engineering who have been lucky enough to get up close and personal with the MP4-27.

Let us know what you think via the comments box below…

Image Credit: Racecar Engineering