With a passion to excel in the world’s most competitive venues, coupled with its sports-minded heritage, Suzuki Auto drives toward another motorsports challenge with its entry in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
A prototype model of the Suzuki SX4 WRC was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006, derived from the five-door SX4 Crossover. Suzuki’s motorsports division, has involved an extensive testing program on many different types of surfaces and develope a driver-friendly World Rally Car offering high controllability under a wide range of rally conditions by Suzuki Sport. Two events in 2007, The Rallye de France and the Wales Rally GB Suzuki Sport had been chosen as a supplement to the testing, to closely represent the majority of surface types. The Rallye de France is known as one of the most challenging tarmac events, and the Wales Rally GB, held later in the year, is well regarded for similar reasons.
The Suzuki SX4 WRC has a five-speed sequential gearbox, boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged J20 engine with full-time 4WD drivetrain. The Suzuki SX4 WRC delivers 320 brake horsepower between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm, and it has 1,997 cc engine along with a maximum torque of 590 N-m (435 lb.-ft.) at 3,500 rpm.
With a carbon three-disc clutch features, The Suzuki SX4 WRC’s powertrain electronically controlled center differential and mechanical front and rear differentials. Its well-balanced chassis and rigid structure allow the front and rear MacPherson struts with coil springs work to their full potential, and its Reiger shocks deliver dynamic, responsive handling. The vehicle is fitted with 20/65-18 tires fitted on 8X18-inch wheels for tarmac. While on gravel, 17/65-15 rubber is mounted to 7X15-inch wheels.
The Suzuki SX4 WRC sits on a wheelbase of 2,500mm, stands 1,450mm high and weighs 1,230 kg (the minimum authorized). All specs reflect those of the final-phase development-test vehicle and are not necessarily indicative of the 2008 entry. Vice president of Suzuki Sport, Nobuhiro Tajima, give a note that the endeavor is still in the early stages of development, including the transmission, engine, and suspension.
The WRC effort builds on Suzuki’s outstanding success in the JWRC, where the Swift Super 1600 has enjoyed an excellent record, creating even more excitement and anticipation in 2008.
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