STIVII_Otou-san
11 September 2003, 14:05
Rumors say that Subaru are performing a “secret” test next week in Italy over 3 days. Apparently they (Prodrive?) have invested a lot of money lately (including a couple of test cars!) in improving the car abilities on asphalt. It is said to be chassis related and very expensive modifications. So expensive they believe “it” will be banned for next season. If the tests are satisfactory they will use it for the next 3 asphalt rallies. Development/investment has been done with long term focus on commercial application (road cars).
Again, rumors. Might be nothing in it other than a signal to the other teams :), but you Could start to speculate what it might be.
Cheers
STIVII
TimGR
11 September 2003, 15:45
They have bought a WRC 206 and have dropped a Subaru shell over the top.
paddylad
19 September 2003, 12:23
Prodrive saw the film "face-off" and are planning to put Gronholm's face on Solbergs head for the last few rallies!!!
DR Motorsport
19 September 2003, 23:59
It's active suspension.
Peugeot already have a semi-active set up.
But rumours are about that to cut costs, it will be banned in the future along with active diffs.
David
TimGR
24 September 2003, 15:11
Fully active suspension had been developed by some of the teams a couple of years ago, but at about $40,000 per corner it was rather expensive.
Thought it was not allowed?
Chris L
30 September 2003, 21:45
Latest news here (http://www.worldrallynews.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1064909717,54374,)
"It's not active suspension. It's a roll control system. What we're proposing is a solution that is effectively similar to what Peugeot have got [with hydraulic anti-roll bars], done in a different way. The main advantages are that it doesn't roll and pitch. You can keep the body flatter: the tyres sit flat on the road," Lapworth said.
Very interesting....
Chris
STIVII_Otou-san
30 September 2003, 23:29
Chris, thanks for the link, that's most interesting. I love the way Subaru and Prodrive re-engineer the car. It will finally benefit us :) (I hope)
Cheers
STIVII
Chris L
02 October 2003, 19:56
Well your source was pretty good!
I reckon they won't dare call it active suspension as that will probably be banned straight away. It will be interesting to see how Petter goes tomorrow.....
Chris