Suzuki Motor Corporation announces today at the 76th Geneva International Motor Show that it will enter the World Rally Championship(WRC) from August, 2007 and onwards.
[Tuesday, February 28, 2006]
Suzuki will use its all new Sport X-over vehicle SX4 as the basis for its WRC challenge.
Suzuki will boost the image and brand identity as a manufacturer that are technically excellent, sporty and fun. Also, it will provide technical feedback which will assist in the development of new models for launch in the future as a part of Suzuki's global new product development program.
Suzuki's decision to participate in WRC - which, alongside F1, is one of the world's top two motor sport Championships - follows on from its very successful involvement is Junior World Rally Championship.
Driver's Champion was achieved on 2004, only from its original entry on 2002, and on 2006 New Swift Super 1600 has won the first round of JWRC Swedish Rally.
SX4 is third all new model to be launched by Suzuki, after Swift and Grand Vitara.
Two models have been very favorably received by the media and motorists throughout the numerous global markets.
The Rally Sport version of SX4 has been developed alongside the models of SX4 that have been perfected for retail sale. The WRC version will now be the focus of further detailed development and testing to increase its competitive
potential in order to challenge from August 2007.
Exact technical specification of Suzuki SX4 WRC will be announced prior to its first competitive appearance. Prototype car is equipped with a new 2.0 liter turbo charged J20 engine. It provides 235kw(320hp)/4,000?4,500rpm of power and torque of 637Nm(65kg-m)3,000rpm.
Power train is all new All Wheel Drive system developed for WRC car which has mechanical differentials on front and rear and electronic control differential in center. Power is transmitted through 5 speed sequential gearbox.
