US GP: Experimental Lotus nose for 2015 F1 rules revealed

As its unique twin-tusk design will not be legal in 2015, the team has decided to run the experimental nose to compare its real-world performance with windtunnel data.

It was ugly designs like the twin-tusk and the so-called anteater design that led the FIA to revise the 2015 F1 regulations to eliminate the ugliest designs.

The new rules will lead teams to run longer wedge-shaped noses, so Lotus wants to understand more about their impact on the airflow around the car.

HOW THE NEW NOSE WORKS

The new nose is dramatically different in terms of both looks and design philosophy.

It is very short, stopping just behind the front-wing centre section. It then forms a very low and wide tip.

Ahead of the nose tip are two forward-reaching front-wing mounting pylons.

These are not a throwback to the twin-tusk aero concept, but a means to mount the nose to the existing front wing.

It is the nose's under-surface that provides a clue as to the possible 2015 design philosophy: the surface dips down behind the front wing before sloping back up to the front of the chassis.

This will help create low pressure under the nose to generate some extra downforce.

To be allowed to take to the track, the nose was required to pass crash tests, so this is a significant investment for Lotus.

In the form seen so far, the new nose does not appear to legal for the 2015 rules, as it is apparently too short and lacks the correct pair of regulatory cross sections near the tip.

This does not prevent it being a useful way for Lotus to gather data, which it hopes will aid design work on the Mercedes-powered E23.