The Making of The Formula Nippon - 017.n

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Swift is proud to have been chosen the exclusive chassis supplier for the Japanese Formula Nippon racing series. The Swift Formula Nippon chassis, dubbed the 017.n, is an all new development and is more powerful, with a focus on producing a car that provides exceptional performance and exciting racing.

The Swift 017.n will be faster than the car currently used in Formula Nippon in every regard. The car will be powered by a new generation of 3.4 liter normally aspirated V-8 Honda and Toyota engines, producing over 600 BHP. The aerodynamic package is new for Formula Nippon and is aimed at achieving high down force values efficiently. Due to an underwing with full size tunnels and an efficient wing package, drag levels will be similar to the current FN car, while downforce will be up by about 30%. Combined with a greater track width, this will result in significant higher cornering speeds. The aero package is further designed to generate a cleaner wake signature behind the car. This is aimed at improving close proximity racing and ultimately, more overtaking.

Increased safety has also been a key focus on the new car. An all new brake package was developed by Performance Friction Corporation, featuring aluminum alloy 6-piston mono-block brake calipers and cast iron rotors. The brake package was designed with a future switch to carbon-carbon brakes in mind. With increased downforce and bigger brakes, the Swift 017.n comes to a halt faster than the current FN car. The maximum legal weight of the car is only 10 kg higher than the current FN car. Most of this added weight will be found in the monocoque and nose cone to offer greater protection to the driver. In particular, the requirements for frontal and rearward impact protection have become more stringent than previous and approach those of Formula One regulations.