WRC – Automobiles Review

Tiny car with great hidden potential: meet WIMMER RS Volkswagen Polo WRC

WIMMER RS Volkswagen Polo WRC is one little car with enormous potential. One can hardly imagine that this tiny beasty can reach the heights of developing 420 horsepower. Does this mean that size does not matter when it comes to engine power boost? In this case we are pretty positive, but still there might be many out there who are on the opposite opinion. So, let’s see what caught our attention in this project.

We must admit that the original Volkswagen Polo R WRC, on which the tuning is based, is already an impressive “rally” car. Since WIMMER RS has broad experience in modifications, it has chosen only road-approved components. They will ensure high functional reliability and longevity.

To make a good comparison, we have to discuss the initial data of the engine. Under the hood of the Polo is the 2.0 liter unit with the capability of producing 220 HP (162 kW) and 475 Nm (350 ft-lb) of torque. It has 6,02 kg/HP power to weight ratio and achieves 243 km/h of maximum speed.

WIMMER RS Volkswagen Polo WRC Rear View

To uprate the performance characteristics of the car, the tuners created level IV package. It includes the upgrade of the turbocharger, an adjusted air intake, a 6-bar-fuel-pump, a modified high-pressure pump, a Y-pipe with sport catalytic, an internal stainless steel sports exhaust system including valve control, an intercooler and an optimized software.

The result is impressive: the Polo comes around with 420 HP (309 kW) and 650 Nm (480 ft-lb) of torque, 3,15 kg/HP power to weight ratio and breath-taking Vmax of 280 km/h! To make everything more harmonious with the new output figures, WIMMER Rennsporttechnik also installed more efficient high-performance K&N air filter, a set of stylish 8×17 OZ-rims with 215/40-17 tires and a KW-coilover suspension.

Source: WIMMER Rennsporttechnik via Miranda Media

April 28, 2016

2016 VW Polo R WRC: What We Know So Far

2016 Volkswagen Polo R WRC Volkswagen has finally revealed and insight into the next generation of Polo R WRC. The FIA World Rally Championship makes its confident steps towards a wonderful season year. Or at least we do hope so. The Polo R WRC is expected to generate about 380hp (280kW). This means that the model will produces 60hp (45kW) more than the current one and of course, Volkswagen designers ensure us that the new Polo R WRC will be lighter and with improved aerodynamic capabilities.

As you might know, Volkswagen has been developing the third generation of Polo R WRC since 2015, when the International Automobile Federation releases new requirements for the highest class of rallying. And by meeting all of them, the development of the third-gen Polo enters a crucial phase.

What we know so far

The vehicle will be about 50 millimeters wider, 25kgs lighter and far more powerful, compared to predecessor models. Also, the electronic center differential could be used for the power transmission. The most notable visual changes include larger rear wing and broader front spoiler.

Although the technical specifications have already been revealed, the Polo R WRC is yet to undergo elaborate tests and improvements in order to be capable of races. Even though the team is in the final phase of development, there is still much work to be done. We expect that the vehicle will make its first appearance at the Rally Argentina (21-24 April 2016).

Source: Volkswagen

April 12, 2016

Toyota Announces Details About Future Races in 2016

2016 Toyota Racing Vehicles Toyota Gazoo Racing, brand’s in-house motorsport team announced plans for the 2016 season. What is known so far, is that the team will make more experiments with vehicles and strategies and will inspire even more fans and enthusiast all around the world.

The brand is ready to return to the World Rally Championship in 2017 and, in fact, preparations have already begun! The engineering team is working hard to develop a perfect Yaris hatchback-influenced sports car that will be worthy opponent at the WRC event. Also, Toyota will take part in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the notorious 24-hours race and the Japanese Rally Championship, all under the guidance of Gazoo Racing banner. Cool.

2016 Toyota Racing Vehicles

But let’s go back to 2016. This year’s WEC event will be contested with the recently created Toyota TS050 Hybrid that benefits from completely new Hybrid system. Also, this year will bring Toyota’s 10th entry in the well-known Nürburgring 24 Hours and the time will also celebrate the milestone by entering the Toyota C-HR Racing, influenced by brand’s future crossover vehicle.

Furthermore, Toyota will continue to prove itself worthy in NASCAR event in USA and also will support Toyota Auto Body’s entry in 2017 Dakar Rally in South America.

And last, but not least, there is a fresh new logo for Toyota Gazoo Racing that was also announced today. It features unified black, white and red color scheme and will be proudly demonstrated at the WRC, WEC and Nürburgring 24hrs and Japanese Rally Championship events.

2016 Toyota Racing Vehicles

Source: Toyota

February 5, 2016

Toyota Returns to FIA World Rally Championship with Yaris WRC Car [VIDEO]

Toyota is returning to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017 with a Yaris WRC car. It was developed and built by the Toyota Motorsport (TMG) technical centre in Cologne, Germany. Over the next two years the team will make tests of the car, which will prepare it for a full return to the racing series. This announcement was made by company’s President, Akio Toyoda, at a news conference in Tokyo. The Yaris WRC also made its public debut there.

The car is driven by a 1.6-litre turbo-charged, direct-injection engine, which generates over 300 hp (221 kW). In addition, advanced simulation, testing and production techniques have shaped the Yaris chassis.

Furthermore, the development of the car will be expanded and the dedicated team of specialists assigned to engineer and operate the car will be increased. Several young drivers already tested the car. This resulted in the selection of Eric Camilli, 27, who has been chosen to be the first member of a junior driver development scheme.

Camilli will cooperate in this program with Stéphane Sarrazin, 2014 Tour de Corse winner, as well as with Sebastian Lindholm. The experience which will be gained from the test program will help Toyota prepare the car for the 2017 season. This is when updated technical regulations are expected to be introduced.

Toyota Yaris WRC is expected to make a competitive debut in 2017. This is more than 17 years since the company’s last world championship rally. Back in 1999, the company marked the end of over 25 years of continuous rally activity with 43 wins achieved.

Toyota Yaris WRC Technical Specifications:

Chassis:

Type	Steel body shell
Brakes	300mm discs on gravel, 355mm on tarmac
Wheels	Wheels 7 x 15″ gravel, 8 x 18″ tarmac
Tyres	Michelin
Dimensions	Length: 3910mm
	Width: 1820mm

Powertrain:

Engine capacity	1.6 litres
Type	In-line four-cylinder
Direct injection	Up to 200bar
Fuel	Petrol
Turbo pressure	2.5 bar absolute (maximum)
Air restrictor	33mm
Power	Around 300hp (at 6,000rpm)
Torque	420Nm
Max revs	8,500rpm
Transmission	Six-speed sequential
Clutch	ZF Sachs

httpv://youtu.be/QY8A4m0g5aw

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Toyota Motorsport

February 2, 2015

New Livery for Citroen DS3 WRC and Start of the 2015 Season

The DS model is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. To commemorate this, Citroen has made a new livery for its WRC car. It features exclusive decals and will compete in this month’s Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo. The white, red and gold livery has been simplified and includes an eye-catching “60” spread across the rear wings. Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena are returning to action, contesting the opening round of the 2015 World Rally Championship season. They are winners of nine world titles and 78 rallies.

The start of the championship will also see the arrival of two new partners for the team. They are also featured on the livery. Official WRC timekeeper since 2013 is Certina. It is included on DS3’s bodywork. In addition, Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg will also wear watches made by the famous Swiss brand.

Furthermore, the automotive equipment manufacturer Sparco is now the official Citroën Racing supplier. It will cover all of the series in which the brand is competing. This includes WRC, WTCC and customer racing.

To the three DS 3 WRCs entered in the championship have been made some significant improvements too. They range from engine and suspension to aerodynamics and gearbox. For instance, Citroen have focused on the powerplant so that it delivers more power and torque, whilst also improving reliability.

What is more, there s a reintroduction of the steering wheel-mounted paddles for the gear changes. In terms of aerodynamics, the improvements include a new spoiler and a new front end as well as use of lighter parts.At last, the company has changed the kinematics of the rear suspension. Currently, work is ongoing and there will be another aerodynamic upgrade in the forthcoming months.

Source: Citroen

January 20, 2015

Volkswagen Introduces the Second Gen Polo R WRC

There is a world premiere happing right now and under the spotlights is the next generation Volkswagen Polo R WRC. The company introduced the second gen motorsport car in Autostadt, Wolfsburg. At the same time, the team which will be racing with it has promised to successfully defend its titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The car is in top form, both technically and visually. It is based on the first generation Polo R WRC that was introduced in 2013.

The start of the career of the new WRC is on 22nd of January when it will compete in the iconic Rally Monte Carlo. The driving line-up for 2015 consists of the double world champions Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (F/F), Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), and Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene (N/N).

The new race car has undergone intense development, both on the inside and the outside. Undoubtedly, it looks more dynamic and sporty than before, and it also features many technical innovations under the bonnet. Many details of the package have been further developed and improved. The main focus of this improvement was on efficiency, reliability and performance.

The new design livery is built up from blue and white, and in fact the exterior of the new car is the most striking change for the 2015 season. The white of the first gen model has given way to dark-blue. White and light-blue stripes see the dark-blue front merge into the white rear, which features a towering new rear wing.

Integrated in the new design are VW’s partners in the World Rally Championship. You can see featured on the Polo those companies: Red Bull, lubricant partner Castrol, Volkswagen Financial Services, tyre partner Michelin, chassis and clutch specialist ZF Sachs, and supplier OMP.

More importantly, there have been changes made under the bonnet. For instance, there is new hydraulically activated gearbox, which is operated via a shift paddle on the steering column. This is the biggest innovation. Three quarters of last year’s components were checked and many of them were improved. The aim was to make everything “simpler, lighter, and stronger”.

2015 Season, FIA World Rally Championship (WRC):

22/01–25/01/2015 Rally Monte Carlo
12/02–15/02/2015 Rally Sweden
05/03–08/03/2015 Rally Mexico
23/04–26/04/2015 Rally Argentina
21/05–24/05/2015 Rally Portugal
11/06–14/06/2015 Rally Italy
02/07–05/07/2015 Rally Poland
30/07–02/08/2015 Rally Finland
20/08–23/08/2015 Rally Germany
10/09–13/09/2015 Rally Australia
01/10–04/10/2015 Rally France
22/10–25/10/2015 Rally Spain
12/11–15/11/2015 Rally Great Britain

Source: Volkswagen

January 16, 2015

2014 Hyundai i20 WRC – The Winner

Hyundai Motorsport has unveiled its full team line-up at a special launch event in Frankfurt today. The manufacturer gears up for its debut in the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship at Monte Carlo, next month.

Going up against vastly more experienced WRC competitors, Hyundai team knows that it has a steep learning curve, but it certainly relishes the challenge and will be aiming to compete for podium places during the season.

“We have worked tremendously hard to get where we are today and to be able to launch our new WRC team to the world,” commented Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, Michel Nandan.

“In less than one year, we have built and tested a brand new WRC-specification car, the Hyundai i20 WRC, and established a professional team and modern motorsport facility. It’s a huge accomplishment but we know that we have a lot to learn in our first season. Our aims for 2014 are realistic: we want to finish each rally with both cars and build up a database of information and experience so we can develop ourselves into prospective rally winners in the future. If all goes well, we will hope to be competing for occasional podiums as the year progresses.”, he added.

The newly liveried Hyundai i20 WRC will be on display as well as Hyundai “N”. Both will be used to symbolise Hyundai’s high performance technology and future mass-produced high performance cars.

The company has already shown what can be accomplished in a short space of time with the right mentality and approach. For the Hyundai Shell World Rally Team, January cannot come soon enough.

Source: Hyundai

December 10, 2013

ABT Volskwagen Polo R WRC

The Volkswagen Polo R WRC has already won the tough FIA-Rallye world championship with Sebastien Ogier, France, but now is time for the road version to get some additional performance.

The Rallye model has 315HP (232 kW) from the 1.6 liter TSI engine and ABT Polo R WRC is very close to this number boasting 290HP (213 kW). 0-100 km/h in less than 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h (161 mph).

ABT Sportsline recommends the attractive DR alloy wheel in its standard 18” version to go with the Polo R WRC.

After all, in its street version the “WRC winner” is also a champion on motorways and A-roads.

Source: ABT

November 28, 2013

Hyundai i20 WRC – Test Debut

Hyundai Motorsport has taken the i20 WRC out of the workshop and onto the road at the start of its testing programme. The new i20 WRC has been put on various tests including checking the car’s systems. The hatchback is scheduled to make its official debut in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2014.

While all key areas of the car’s performance were evaluated, there was a major focus on collecting feedback on the i20 WRC’s 1.6 litre turbocharged engine as part of the continuing development programme for the powertrain.

Totally 550 km were covered over the three days, which enabled the team to start building the knowledge base of testing data from which to prepare its entry to the WRC in 8 months’ time.

The programme will continue for the rest of the year and will involve the assessment and development of the i20 WRC in all of the terrains and conditions expected in World Rally Championship.

Source: Hyundai

May 28, 2013

2013 Geneva Motor Show: Hyundai I20 WRC

Hyundai will take part at the FIA World Rally Championship with its new specification i20 WRC. The model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show showing-off all its assets. The model embodies remarkable enhancements to the exterior bodywork and suspension.

To be more precise, the upgrades are the result of collaborative work between Hyundai’s R&D facility in Namyang, Koreaand and the newly formed Hyundai Motorsport GmbH in Alzenau,Germany, headed up by veteran WRC man Michel Nandan.

In fact, the Hyundai i20 WRC boasts striking looks due to the redesigned livery which blends a dynamic treatment of brand’s corporate blue together with an innovative use of characters from the native Korean script, Hunminjeongeum. The livery perfectly complements the

excitement and dynamism of WRC with the Korean heritage of the Hyundai brand.

The latest version of the i20 WRC has a design focused on aerodynamics and in addition – improved cooling systems. A new rear wing and front spoiler give the i20 WRC a new external appearance. Under the bodywork, some enhancements are noticeable on the suspension kinematics and chassis stiffness.

Source: Hyundai

March 7, 2013

Citroen DS3 WRC

Citroen Racing and Abu Dhabi now takes real shape with the presentation of the racing programmes for the 2013 season. The Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s line-up for this year’s FIA World Rally Championship will feature three crews: Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen, Dani Sordo/Carlos del Barrio and Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena. Khalid Al-Qassimi will also be taking part in the majority of the WRC events, but will be competing first and foremost in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

“We are very proud to have forged a relationship with a partner that is as prestigious and dynamic as Abu Dhabi,” commented Yves Matton, Citroen Racing Team Principal.

“Like our long-time partner Total, Abu Dhabi will be visible across all our 2013 programmes: on the works teams competing in the WRC and the MERC (Middle East Rally Championship), but also in the Citroen Racing Trophy held in the main countries in Europe. Together, we are also committed to establishing a rally driver development programme with Abu Dhabi Racing.”, he added.

The eight-time World Rally Championship-winning works team – including five consecutive titles between 2008 and 2012 – will now be known as the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team. Three cars will compete at each of the thirteen rounds on the WRC calendar. Lining up in all of the events in the no.2 DS3 WRC, Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen will be looking to win the Drivers’ title.

“Now that I have my first season with Citroen under my belt, I feel ready for this new challenge,” asserted the Finn. “I have been World Championship runner-up four times, so the next logical step is to aim for first place!”

The second DS3 WRC nominated to score points towards the Manufacturers’ World Championship will be driven by Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena at four rallies.

“We’ll start the season in Monte-Carlo and we’ll also be competing in Sweden, because it’s a rally that I would love to win in normal racing conditions. And I couldn‘t begin to think about missing the Rallye de France,” confirmed Seb.
Source: Citroen

December 12, 2012

Volskwagen Polo WRC Street at Wörthersee

It’s been a tradition for over 30 years now – a convention within the convention – The “GTI Meeting at Wörthersee”…. for Volkswagen people. This year a concept “warm” hatch is making an appearance – It’s the Polo WRC Street. And calling it warm is a massive understatement. Surely however, the GTI festival won’t be a party of one. Lot’s of other exciting appearances will be made as almost all of Europe rolls into Austria for the event.

Literally taken from the track and put on the streets, the Polo WRC Concept is due to become a reality in 2013. It’s mad looks contribute to it’s appeal – a rear spoiler, a diffuser, a sporty and lowered suspension and a bunch of R-WRC logos. It’s not exactly a real WRC car (it wouldn’t be road legal) but it is out there – we are talking 220 spine-snapping PS from a 2.0-liter TSI engine. Want one for sure.

What is the real deal however is the Polo R-WRC – a road-going prototype of the actual FIA World Rally Championship. It’s pretty serious about taking on its WRC rivals next year. At it’s core a 1.6 TSI engine pumps out the 300 PS (that’s the championship limit).

Other notable appearances at the GTI Meeting will be the Golf GTI Cabriolet – a 210 PS open-top with a DSG transmission as an option and an XDS electronic differential lock on the front axle.

If you happen to be there, be on the look out for a Volkswagen Golf “GTI Black Dynamic” design concept as well. It’s been styled by a bunch of young men and women for the… young men and women – black and red motives, a low ride, a 1,800 Watt sound system with nine speakers and subsequently hardly any space for luggage.

The last of the best would be a Golf GTI “White Concept” and as you might imagine, it is white in color. Inside however, again we get that Black Dynamic gene of red and black (it really is a classic this combo). Some contrasting stitches here and there, on the fine Nappa leather, GTI logos. It’s more of a visual feast than anything else.

Source: Volkswagen

May 17, 2012

Tag: WRC

What we know so far