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I would think that last bit is a bit off. The space between the bulkhead/fuel tank, whatever is in front of the PU, and the gearbox would be the same. The block of the engine would just be moved back a bit. Right? So actually I would imagine that you'd have a bit more weight aft of center. Unless the compressor sits in a space that is otherwise wasted in a traditional setup.
Also, I don't think it would be that complicated a shaft. Afterall, there is already some kind of shaft there for the MGU-H. I think it's one of those, "why didn't we think of that" things rather than "how did they think of that." Still very neat.
Also is this Mercedes the team, or do all Mercedes powered teams have the same packaging for the PU? I actually haven't checked, do the Engine suppliers make the whole PU, or is some of the ERS up to the team? KERS was made by the teams in the past, right?
Also, you can bet Honda is already doing this for next years engine, if McLaren has that same setup.
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Reading at another forum, the complicated part about the shaft is keeping it straight and in one piece at 150,000 rpm.
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