We all know rumors are that Subaru has been planing to make an S2000.
My question is:could they make a competitive car,because of the boxer engine and because of that almost every car they make (and made) is with a turbo?
Printable View
We all know rumors are that Subaru has been planing to make an S2000.
My question is:could they make a competitive car,because of the boxer engine and because of that almost every car they make (and made) is with a turbo?
Maybe, but what interests me is how FIA will solve controled transmission for longitudinal engine...
I don’t think the engine is a problem if they have a model with a 2-litre NA engine. As it is written in the homologation regulations:
“7.1 Engine
It must come from the model homologated in Group N. Nevertheless, particular cases may be submitted to the Homologation and Technical Working Group: subject to acceptance by the FIA, it will be possible to use an engine from another model of the make, homologated in Group N with 2500 units.”
I’m more concerned about the weight (and the transmission). Subaru is a quit big car and I’m wondering how they are going to get down to the minimum weight 1200 kg. With even a small car like Pug they had to add only 20 kg so the original weight was probably 1180 kg.
OldF: 1200 kg is limit for gravel rallys. For tarmac and snow rallys the limit is lower - 1150 kg (depends on the wheel size).
I wrote this on WRC Forum last week
"In the last few issues of Best Car - a magazine sold here that specialises in scoops of new models there have been articles about two new models.
The first is an Impreza (Sti version) with a non-turbo 2-litre engine producing about 200ps in current 5-door bodyshape. It will debut at Geneva Motor Show this year.
The second is an unnamed Toyota 3-door coupe that will go on sale September next year. In the first collaboration between the two companies, it will use the same engine and drivetrain (i.e 4WD) as the Subaru model! The magazine speculates that it will form the basis of Toyota's return to WRC.
This raises a technical question for me. If either of the above cars were to be built as S2000, how would the Sadev or other spec. gearboxes be used, as both cars use a longitudinal engine/trans arrangement not the normal east-west of other front-wheel drive cars?"
So Subaru will have a suitable base engine, but same as Mirek I don't know how they will use the FIA specified transmission.
With regard to Toyota the magazine meant they would use the model as a basis for a WRC car, not a S2000 car.
I had asked this question to JB of FIA Tech and he said, if there is a solution for the gearbox as long as the price is similar to Sadev (at that time there was only 1 maker, now there are several) he could agree in principal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rally Hokkaido
So IF this was going to happen, I am sure FIA is willing to follow
Thanks, ProRally.
Somehow I should have known you would have asked Jacques, already!
I think at this point in time with the uncertainty over the future of WRC it would be a mistake to start developing a World Rally Car. Suzuki got there just about in time. Time will tell whether WRC regulations will change to S2000 over the next few years.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rally Hokkaido
Agreed. At this stage it was just speculation by the magazine. However it makes sense from a marketing point of view that this new sporty car (possibly to be called Celica) should be the flagship for Toyota's eventual return to WRC, by which time the technical regs for a WRCar should have been stabilised (S2000 + turbo?). As the production model won't be released until mid-next year, 2010 would be the absolute earliest that we would see a Toyota WRCar competing.Quote:
Originally Posted by J4MIE
Toyota should give up their own F1 programme, just supply engines to Williams instead and come back to rallying!