Hello fellow Kerbonauts!
Today, I am excited to present my stock replica of a Formula One Mercedes Car, meticulously crafted within Kerbal Space Program (KSP). While exploring existing KSP F1 car designs online, I felt inspired to create my own version, striving for enhanced accuracy and performance. This is the result of my efforts, a stock Formula One Mercedes car ready to hit the tracks – or even the Mun!
This Formula One Mercedes car is modeled after the championship-winning 2016 Mercedes Benz F1 car, driven by Rosberg and Hamilton to secure both the Driver’s and Constructor’s World Championships. My KSP rendition captures the essence of this iconic vehicle, measuring 5.9m in length, 1.7m in height, and 2.6m in width. For added versatility, I’ve incorporated a docking port at the rear, enabling you to connect it to your spacecraft for interplanetary racing or showcasing your Formula One Mercedes car in orbit. I aimed for dimensional accuracy, closely mirroring the real-world W08 as much as possible within the constraints of stock KSP parts. The vehicle weighs in at 3.699 tons, a figure slightly heavier than its real-world counterpart, but a testament to its robust construction in KSP. Note: The KerbalX download version includes a Mk1 Command Pod attached to the rear docking port, which slightly alters the size and mass specifications.
Technically, this Formula One Mercedes car features an eight-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability. The additional wheels are not just for show; they contribute to a more authentic F1 aesthetic, mimicking the thicker tires of a real Formula One Mercedes car. Power is supplied by a reliable radioisotope generator, eliminating the need for solar panels and ensuring consistent performance in any environment. While equipped with fuel cells and liquid fuel tanks, these are primarily for visual detail and can be utilized for extended operations if desired. However, for optimal performance and weight management, the tanks are initially left empty. This Formula One Mercedes car boasts exceptional stability and maneuverability, arguably the best rover I’ve constructed in KSP, a testament to the effectiveness of the eight-wheel drive and carefully tuned suspension. The strategically positioned spoilers are designed to generate downforce, further enhancing handling and grip, especially in Kerbin’s atmosphere. Remarkably, this Formula One Mercedes car remains surprisingly drivable even on the Mun, although the aerodynamic spoilers naturally provide no downforce in the vacuum of space.
If you’re eager to add this Formula One Mercedes car to your KSP garage, you can download it here: https://kerbalx.com/SpaceTrashCan/Formula-One-Car
Enjoy racing your own stock Formula One Mercedes car in Kerbal Space Program!
