Introduction
The 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 is a Formula One car that was designed by Mauro Forghieri and built by Scuderia Ferrari for the 1984 Formula One season. It was driven by Michele Alboreto and René Arnoux. The 126 C4 is best remembered for its dominant performance in the 1984 season, in which it won all but one race, and for its innovative design.
Design and Development
Chassis and Suspension
The 126 C4 was the first Ferrari to feature a carbon fiber composite monocoque chassis, which was designed to be stiffer and lighter than the traditional aluminum monocoque chassis used in previous Ferraris. The suspension consisted of unequal length upper and lower wishbones, with pushrod operated inboard rocker arms and coil springs over dampers.
Engine
The engine used in the 126 C4 was a 1.5L turbocharged V6, developed from the 037 engine used in Ferrari’s previous cars. It was capable of producing up to 800 hp, and featured electronic fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft.
Transmission
The 126 C4 was fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission, which was designed to be more reliable than the semi-automatic transmission used in previous Ferraris. It featured a carbon fiber composite driveshaft and a limited slip differential.
Aerodynamics
The 126 C4 featured a number of aerodynamic features, including a low-drag body shape, an adjustable rear wing and an adjustable front spoiler. These features allowed the car to generate downforce at high speeds, while still maintaining a low drag coefficient.
Brakes
The 126 C4 featured ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, which provided superior stopping power and improved brake cooling.
Wheels and Tyres
The 126 C4 was fitted with 15-inch wheels and Michelin tyres.
Electronics
The 126 C4 was the first Ferrari to feature an electronic engine management system, which allowed the driver to adjust the engine’s power output. It also featured a sophisticated electronic traction control system, which allowed the car to maintain traction in slippery conditions.
Results
The 126 C4 proved to be a dominant force in the 1984 season. It won 8 out of the 16 races that season, with Michele Alboreto taking 6 wins and René Arnoux taking 2. It also secured a total of 9 pole positions and 10 fastest laps, making it the most successful Ferrari in Formula One history.
Legacy
The 126 C4 is remembered as one of the most successful Ferraris in Formula One history, and its design features have gone on to be used in many other Ferraris. Its engine design also served as the basis for the 053 engine used in Ferrari’s 1985 car, the 156/85.
Gallery of 1984 Ferrari 126 C4
Front View
The front view of the 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 shows its low-drag body shape and adjustable front spoiler.
Rear View
The rear view of the 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 shows its adjustable rear wing and the large exhaust pipes.
Engine
The engine of the 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 is a 1.5L turbocharged V6, capable of producing up to 800 hp.
Interior
The interior of the 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 features a carbon fiber composite monocoque chassis and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Wheels and Tyres
The 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 is fitted with 15-inch wheels and Michelin tyres.
Electronics
The 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 is the first Ferrari to feature an electronic engine management system and an electronic traction control system.
Racing
The 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 is best remembered for its dominant performance in the 1984 Formula One season, in which it won 8 out of 16 races.
Driver
The 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 was driven by Michele Alboreto and René Arnoux.
Mauro Forghieri
The 1984 Ferrari 126 C4 was designed by Mauro Forghieri, who was the chief engineer of Scuderia Ferrari at the time.