McLaren-Honda Mp4/4
RA168E 1.5-litre V6 Turbo
Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna
1988
The McLaren-Honda MP4/4 is one of the most successful formula one car designs of all time. It was powered by Honda's RA168E 1.5-litre V6-turbo engine and driven by teammates Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. Inspired by the low slung Gordon Murray designed Brabham BT55, the Honda-powered MP4/4 won 15 of 16 races during the 1988 season and captured all but one pole position.
Manufacturer
McLaren
Model
MP4/4
Year
1988
Engine
Honda RA168E, 1.5L, V6-Turbo
Power
650–700 hp (485–522 kW) @ 12,500 – 13,000 rpm
Chassis
Carbon Fibre Honeycomb Monocoque
Transmission
Weismann-McLaren 6-Speed manual
Front Suspension
Double wishbones, pull-rod actuated coil springs and dampers
Rear Suspension
Double wishbones, rocker-arm actuated coil springs and dampers
Tires
Goodyear Eagle
Weight
1196 lbs.
Evolution
1989-1992
The V6 Honda powered McLaren MP4/4 evolved into five other generations using Honda V10 and V12 engines. The 1989 FIA rule change to ban all turbocharged engines forced Honda to develope a naturally aspirated 3.5L engine. The first evolution was the Honda RA109E V10 used to powered the McLaren MP4/5 chassis. Subsequent changes to the V10 gave way to a Honda V12 powered McLaren Mp4/7A early in the 1992 season.
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