V8 Supercars COTF

[2JZSS]

Hey guys just wondering what everyones take is for the new V8 Supercar Car of the Future?


They are apparently going to use a transaxle... they already run composite panels and the chassis is but a step away from a full blown space frame....

It seems to me that they are intent on making the new COTF pretty much a sports sedan?..... With the probable opening up to other manufacturers the only things they don't do is allow mid mount engines...


Cant be real good for the sports sedan category if this is the case!?

Link to the COTF website - http://www.v8supercars.com.au/cotf/tabid/914/default.aspx

[profi]

They are running the same holinger sequential and a harrop independent 9" housing...

[2JZSS]

i can assure they are running a transaxle....

And i quote "V8X also reports that a transaxle transmission will be used to help cut costs because it will be cheaper than a custom differential and cheaper to service than the current diff.

“Each of them costs about $25,000 which is extremely cost-effective,” Perry told V8X.

“That compares to a Holinger gearbox at around $19,000 and a diff at between $10,000 and $12,000.

“So we have come back in cost, but we are also getting a custom-made crown wheel and pinion that will have longer service intervals and move us forward as a category.”

A total of five transaxles – two from Australian companies and three from overseas – will all be tested for the Car of the Future.

“We are also battling with our weight distribution, so the transaxle gives us the opportunity to move 30 to 40 kilograms rearward in the car,” Perry said.


link is here - http://www.v8supercars.com.au/newsarticle/future-car-test-delay/tabid/70/newsid/10832/default.aspx

[Phast Phil]

I can only assume that they want their cars to go as quick as our leading cars and claim the mantle of Australias fastest racing sedans.
If that means they effectively race a car that for all other purposes equates to a sports sedan with a number of limititations (engine size, data restrictions, wheel/tyre size restriction etc) then we should have a healthy supply of future sports sedans at reasonable cost.

We should all take this as a compliment as our cars have the right basics, we should just work harder on introducing some more limitations (in my opinion) to keep racing closer and restrain costs. I know not everyone agrees but an open free rule book has always resulted in tearaways from the better resourced and funded teams.

Look at the final round at Sandown...Audi and Saab a half lap in front of the best of the rest bunch. Yes we should all catch up but at what cost? Love to hear your views!

[2002 turbo]

They are actually going to use a transaxle, they scrapped the IRS diff option as I suspect the cost of it plus the Holinger would of been getting into transaxle price territory. I looked into the tender for some mates of mine in Europe but for what they're asking i.e price it wasn't going to happen.

[2002 turbo]

We should all take this as a compliment as our cars have the right basics, we should just work harder on introducing some more limitations (in my opinion) to keep racing closer and restrain costs. I know not everyone agrees but an open free rule book has always resulted in tearaways from the better resourced and funded teams.
Look at the final round at Sandown...Audi and Saab a half lap in front of the best of the rest bunch. Yes we should all catch up but at what cost? Love to hear your views!

I can understand where you are coming from but really how one can close up the field and limit some of these faster cars is anyone's guess. Cost containment in one area will move the spending to another part of the car. What would you restrict to close it up? Less engine RPM, more weight, lead trophy like they did in DTM years ago?

The problem is it is just not the fast cars. The Saab and Audi are very well engineered machines no doubt about it. They are set up properly with pretty much every aspect of the cars developed to the max. The drivers are another matter altogether, it is obvious that Hossack & Sera are very capable and consistent drivers who are at the top of their game. How do put a limit on that?

Without wanting to come across the wrong way or sound like a total wanker (for the record I struggle to manoeuvre a shopping trolley let alone a Sport Sedan and no doubt when I do eventually get on the track I will be as slow as a wet week!) not everyone is is created equal as a racing driver.
Many are out there having a go to the best of their ability with the equipment they can afford to run and good on them because it takes a lot of balls to do it. Still it will never be easy to level things out in the field as the driver obviously has a major impact on the competitiveness of a car. Just a thought on which i hope no one takes too much offence.

[commodore51]

I can only assume that they want their cars to go as quick as our leading cars and claim the mantle of Australias fastest racing sedans.
If that means they effectively race a car that for all other purposes equates to a sports sedan with a number of limititations (engine size, data restrictions, wheel/tyre size restriction etc) then we should have a healthy supply of future sports sedans at reasonable cost.

We should all take this as a compliment as our cars have the right basics, we should just work harder on introducing some more limitations (in my opinion) to keep racing closer and restrain costs. I know not everyone agrees but an open free rule book has always resulted in tearaways from the better resourced and funded teams.

Look at the final round at Sandown...Audi and Saab a half lap in front of the best of the rest bunch. Yes we should all catch up but at what cost? Love to hear your views!

[commodore51]

Perhaps the last race of the meeting should be a handicap race. It would certainly would provide the opportunity for some close racing with plenty of passing as the faster cars come through the field. We would need to go to a standing start, for these races, however unlike normal grid standing start it would be up to the individual as to how they treated their drive train on these starts.

[MrBoost]

handicap events and reverse grids always create the same problems. crashes! which are good to watch in the v8's with their crash budgets. but not so good in sports sedans. maybe its just that im blinded by love of sports sedans but i dont mind the spread as usually there is 'bunches' spread out. you have the leading 3-4 then a gap back to 'the rest' then a few on there own then the 3500n/a guys. i think with the added state rounds this year it will be fantastic! i just got engaged which has put me out for the year but im saving all my spare hidden pennies to try make the nsw state/national round as i know it will be a good meeting.

As for transaxle touring cars whoo hoo bring it on! cheap second hand transaxles coming our way!

[commodore51]

While I would agree that reverse grid races are responsible for turn one crashes I do not believe this to be the same with handicap races. There is much use of the handicap system in NZ motorsport through a number of the classes, with considerable success. if you want to eliminate the possibility of contact with other competitors the perhaps you should run lap sprints.