September 26, 2002
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September 26, 2002 |
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2002 Paris International Motor Show | |
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Since the announcement of its participation in the 2002 Junior World Rally Championship, the WRC entry category, three Suzuki Ignis (whose technical features fit into this category perfectly) have been entered. Suzuki Motor Corporation provides support via the Suzuki Sport Co. Ltd., to three private teams from Japan, Finland and Germany. They form "Team Suzuki Ignis" in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship. This collaboration consists of providing an Ignis, technical assistance and the whole environment necessary for the smooth operation of the team. For Suzuki Motor Corporation, this new activity will contribute to the promotion of sales on both the home and export markets. It also contributes to the development of the production models, resulting from the transfer of the technological data obtained. The Junior World Rally Championship This championship is a new category organised by the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) to find new drivers. It was created in 2001 under the name "Super 1600 Championship". The 2002 championship is fought over 6 of the 14 events that make up the WRC Championship. The events are: The Monte-Carlo, Spanish (Catalunya), Greek (Acropolis), German (ADAC), Italian (San Remo), and British (RAC) rallies. This championship is a very good opportunity for Suzuki to promote the company in Europe, in a top quality, high-profile competition. Technical characteristics The original Ignis engine has been used as the basis for constructing the competition engine. Suzuki's engineers have rebored the 16 valve, 4 cylinder in-line DOHC petrol engine and it now delivers 151 kW (206 bhp) at 8500 rpm with a torque of 180 Nm (18.4 mkg). The Ignis has been totally reconfigured to comply with the regulations of the championship. Transformed into a rally car, it now has a Suzuki Sport 6-speed sequential gearbox. It has MacPherson type front suspension and 3 link rigid rear suspension. Its brakes are Brembo - four 355 mm diameter (tarmac) / 300 mm diameter (gravel) front pistons and two 276 mm diameter rear pistons. The Ignis Super 1600 is fitted with Michelin front and rear tyres. Their sizes are: 17/63 - 17" (tarmac) - 16/65-16" (gravel), and the wheels are 17x7 0J (tarmac) - 15x6 0J (gravel). Now, after 4 rallies, the three Ignis have had some positive results. In this, their first year, the "yellow cars" are already making a name for themselves, with a sixth place at Monte-Carlo at the start of the year and a podium position (3rd) in the German rally at the end of August. |
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