Where to start? With the Squoval tubes, the 8% stiffer BB, the 24% stiffer headtube or the sub 1000g weight for a frame (56cm)??
Here's a brief from Cervelo: The lessons of the Project California RCA have now been applied to the R3. Using the Squoval™ family of tube shapes, the latest R3 saves you more than 7 watts while increasing more torsional stiffness for precise handling.
Sleek, internal Future-Proof cable routing enables easy setup and maintenance whether you’re running mechanical, electronic, or hydraulic lines. Bottom line: the renowned ride quality of the R3 has been defined even further to give you more. More aero. More road. More machine
What is 'Squoval' and what does it give the rider
SQUOVAL
Squoval is a library of square/oval tube shapes developed to offer a wide variety of potential combinations and mechanical properties.
Square shapes are best to resist bending (side-to-side flex). Round shapes are best to resist torsion (twisting flex). Since different frame tubes see a variable mix of bending and torsional loads, a careful combination of these shapes can offer the best of both worlds.
Cervélo engineers further refine the Squoval concept by ‘dialling in’ the combination of these properties to best resist the specific bending and torsional loads in various areas of the frame. In areas where bending resistance is critical, Squoval shapes are more square; where torsion is high, the Squoval shape tends toward an oval. The family of Squoval shapes also takes into account aerodynamic shaping, adding a touch of aerodynamic benefits to a Squoval frame.
The benefit: The Squoval family of tube shapes allows Cervelo to dial in weight-saving, aero, stiffness and compliance properties desired for each area of the frame.