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hirocimacruiser · 3 months

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Thorough comparison of JGTC vehicles

M・S war in the GT300 class

Mitsubishi and Subaru continue to engage in a fierce battle in the WRC, but there is a feeling that a new battle will take place at the JGTC, which has moved to the circuit. Cusco Racing entered the GT300 class a little earlier than last year with the Impreza, which has poured its know-how into building dirt trial class vehicles. On the other hand, Mitsubishi has started entering entries this season with FTOs made by Ralliart, with engines by HKS and chassis by Nova. Let's do a thorough comparison.

Photography: Shinji Takizawa/Takahito Naito/Satoshi Kamimura Interview cooperation: Cusco/Nova Engineering Photography cooperation: Fuji Speedway

The Mitsubishi/Subaru war breaks out even at JGTC, which is currently the most popular!

The most interesting race in Japan today is the GT Championship. In this year's GT

championship Mitsubishi and Subaru face off.

Noda. Subaru started accepting entries last year with the Cusco Subaru Impreza.

The vehicle uses a 2-door coupe body. Since Cusco (Carrosse) specializes in producing dirt track D vehicles (unlimited modification class), they utilize their D vehicle know-how and develop their own machines, although the engines are supplied by STI. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, is the Taeivon FTO, which has started entry from this year. Basic design by Mitsubishi modified by Ralliart. HKS, which has been working on Mitsubishi's motorsports engines for a ling time was in charge of the engine, and Nova Engineering, which has worked on race cars in all categories including top formulas, was in charge of the chassis. As you can see from this, the Cusco Impreza is a pure privateer, but the Taeivon FTO is a private car with factory support.

-The dark brown color is very strong.

Now, when I compare the construction of these two machines, I notice something interesting. Both have a normal FF or 4WD drive layout from factory. However, the drive layout chosen for each GT model is FF for the FTO and FR for the Impreza. If both had around 300 PS of horsepower, they would have chosen the lightweight and simple option over 4WD traction. However, since the FTO is a horizontally mounted engine, unless you choose 4WD, the only option is FF. How much is 300PS?

However, FF, where steering and drive transmission are handled by two wheels, and rear drive, where each wheel is separate, are at a considerable disadvantage in terms of tire wear.

However, knowing this, FTO chose FF. On the other hand, Subaru's horizontally opposed 4-cylinder FR engine is longitudinally installed, so it easily becomes an FR engine that is not found in production cars. Furthermore, the engine is compact and has a low center of gravity, so the layout clearly gives the Impreza an advantage in terms of balance.

As for the engine, both are 2L turbos.

FTO is handled by HKS, but basically WRC for group A. Since the Impreza is also supplied by STI, its performance is probably quite similar. By the way, the nominal values from each team are 300 PS/40 kg-m for FTO and 320 PS or more/35 kg-m for Impreza.

However, when it comes to the chassis, both cars have been created using different approaches. As I wrote earlier, the Cusco Impreza was built using the know-how of dirt trial D-class vehicles. There are no restrictions on modification of D vehicles. At Cusco, we are using this unlimited know-how to run on dirt to create vehicles that fit within the framework of the GT Championship. The chassis is mainly reinforced with pipes. Rather than a monocoque frame, it is more appropriate to call it a pipe frame covered with a steel shell. The structure is such that all suspension input is received by the pipe. That's why there are pipes running along the floor.

On the other hand, the Taeivon FTO is naturally reinforced with pipes, but it is also connected to the normal monocoque with steel plates, making it a semi-monocoque, and adding carbon to increase body rigidity. This area is circuit racing, and it is unique to Nova, which handles formula racing.

Suspension is according to regulations

Although no changes are allowed, other modifications may be made.

You can call it freedom, and both cars have completely different suspension systems from the commercially available cars. In order to accommodate the huge 18-inch tires and to keep the vehicle height as low as possible, the wheel house was changed to something completely different, and the engine was mounted as low as possible at the rear. Naturally, the members are also original and produced. Therefore, the mounting position, or geometry, of the suspension arm can be changed freely, and It has been moved to a position suitable for running on the circuit, and of course the arms and uprights have also been made specifically for it.

Now, which of these two cars is faster? Looking at the first round of this season, Suzuka, the FTO showed a fast run that would be hard to believe in its debut race, and managed to finish in 3rd place (Round 2 at Fuji canceled). Objectively, FTO, which is participating in the race for the first time this season and can be called a works model, has an advantage.

Perhaps, but with Impreza's good balance and Cusco's vehicle manufacturing know-how, we can expect a heated battle in Future GT.

I can't take my eyes off the championship.

_____________________________________________

CUSCO SUBARU IMPREZA

ENGINE & DRIVE-TRAIN

①The huge aluminum core is arranged in two stages, with the intercooler on the top and the radiator on the bottom. The thickness of the radiator in particular is surprising when compared to the stock one. (2) The right-hand light serves as an air intake, and the air is guided through a duct to the turbine set in front of the engine. (3,4) If you look closely at the piping, you can see the aluminum pipe extending from the radiator to the bulkhead. This is led through the interior to the water-cooled transmission and differential oil cooler. Incidentally, the engine control unit is installed indoors together with the data logger. (5) the transmission is Hewland's sequential gearbox. Even though it doesn't have a bellhousing, it's very compact.

⑥ When you remove the rear suspension arm and brake, you'll see a reinforcement made of a lot of aluminum, and behind that you can see the differential.

AERO PARTS

① The front spoiler is the type that has recently become mainstream, with large side gills that generate downforce. The air intake has slits that distribute air to the radiator and intercooler, which have two upper and lower stages. ②The front hood is dominated by a huge air outlet. ③Equipped with a huge slitted wing on the rear that combines two wings. ④The rear bumper appears to be of normal shape, but you can see the aluminum vertical plate of the diffuser underneath.

SUSPENSION & BRAKE

①The front wheel house has a huge Brembo caliper and rotor that makes the suspension almost invisible. The arms are of course remade with pipes, and the links are rose joints. ② The rear is the same, but the shock and the parts that connect the shock and upright are compared to those on the market.

It looks like it's strangely sturdy. ③④ The front stabilizer is installed above and behind the engine (perhaps this is a measure to mount the engine low?), so the input from the suspension is via a long rod.

COCKPIT

① Increase body strength by creating a semi-pipe frame with a roll cage. Therefore, bars are not only strung above and along the sides, but are also set along the floor and welded at strategic points. ② The transmission is sequential and has a special lever (maybe the linkage has been removed due to maintenance?). ③Switches and indicators are arranged on the center console that protrudes according to the seat position. ④The seat is moved back considerably and fixed in a very low position. The instrument panel itself remains normal. ⑤ The meter is equipped with a digital type on the steering wheel column. The steering wheel and pedals are also selected to match the seat.

_____________________________________________

The Mitsubishi/Subaru war breaks out even at JGTC, which is currently the most popular!

The most interesting race in Japan today is the GT Championship. In this year's GT championship Mitsubishi and Subaru face off.

Noda. Subaru started accepting entries last year with the Cusco Subaru Impreza.

The vehicle uses a 2-door coupe body. Since Cusco (Carrosse) specializes in producing dirt track D vehicles (unlimited modification class), they utilize their D vehicle know-how and develop their own machines, although the engines are supplied by STI. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, is the Taeivon FTO, which has started entry from this year. Basic design by Mitsubishi modified by Ralliart. HKS, which has been working on Mitsubishi's motorsports engines for a ling time was in charge of the engine, and Nova Engineering, which has worked on race cars in all categories including top formulas, was in charge of the chassis. As you can see from this, the Cusco Impreza is a pure privateer, but the Taeivon FTO is a private car with factory support.

-The dark brown color is very strong.

Now, when I compare the construction of these two machines, I notice something interesting. Both have a normal FF or 4WD drive layout from factory. However, the drive layout chosen for each GT model is FF for the FTO and FR for the Impreza. If both had around 300 PS of horsepower, they would have chosen the lightweight and simple option over 4WD traction. However, since the FTO is a horizontally mounted engine, unless you choose 4WD, the only option is FF. How much is 300PS?

However, FF, where steering and drive transmission are handled by two wheels, and rear drive, where each wheel is separate, are at a considerable disadvantage in terms of tire wear.

However, knowing this, FTO chose FF. On the other hand, Subaru's horizontally opposed 4-cylinder FR engine is longitudinally installed, so it easily becomes an FR engine that is not found in production cars. Furthermore, the engine is compact and has a low center of gravity, so the layout clearly gives the Impreza an advantage in terms of balance.

As for the engine, both are 2L turbos.

FTO is handled by HKS, but basically WRC for group A. Since the Impreza is also supplied by STI, its performance is probably quite similar. By the way, the nominal values from each team are 300 PS/40 kg-m for FTO and 320 PS or more/35 kg-m for Impreza.

However, when it comes to the chassis, both cars have been created using different approaches. As I wrote earlier, the Cusco Impreza was built using the know-how of dirt trial D-class vehicles. There are no restrictions on modification of D vehicles. At Cusco, we are using this unlimited know-how to run on dirt to create vehicles that fit within the framework of the GT Championship. The chassis is mainly reinforced with pipes. Rather than a monocoque frame, it is more appropriate to call it a pipe frame covered with a steel shell. The structure is such that all suspension input is received by the pipe. That's why there are pipes running along the floor.

On the other hand, the Taeivon FTO is naturally reinforced with pipes, but it is also connected to the normal monocoque with steel plates, making it a semi-monocoque, and adding carbon to increase body rigidity. This area is circuit racing, and it is unique to Nova, which handles formula racing.

Suspension is according to regulations

Although no changes are allowed, other modifications may be made.

You can call it freedom, and both cars have completely different suspension systems from the commercially available cars. In order to accommodate the huge 18-inch tires and to keep the vehicle height as low as possible, the wheel house was changed to something completely different, and the engine was mounted as low as possible at the rear. Naturally, the members are also original and produced. Therefore, the mounting position, or geometry, of the suspension arm can be changed freely, and It has been moved to a position suitable for running on the circuit, and of course the arms and uprights have also been made specifically for it.

Now, which of these two cars is faster? Looking at the first round of this season, Suzuka, the FTO showed a fast run that would be hard to believe in its debut race, and managed to finish in 3rd place (Round 2 at Fuji canceled). Objectively, FTO, which is participating in the race for the first time this season and can be called a works model, has an advantage.

Perhaps, but with Impreza's good balance and Cusco's vehicle manufacturing know-how, we can expect a heated battle in Future GT.

I can't take my eyes off the championship

_____________________________________________

TAEIVON TRAMPIO FTO

FISCO race information

I photographed these two cars on the practice day for the second round of the GT Championship, which was held at FISCO on May 3rd. By the way, the next big race to be held at FISCO is the third round of Formula Nippon on May 31st. This year's F Pon competition is fierce. Let's go to FISCO to watch the heated battle. Inquiries: Fuji Speedway ☎03-3409-2365

AERO PARTS

① The outer shell of the Taeivon FTO was designed by the designer of the commercial FTO car. The original FTO design was utilized, such as using the hole for the turn signal as an air intake for the brake, and the design was made more functional. ②The front hood outlet is also well designed. The opening is small, but it seems to come through easily. ③Although the rear wing is large, it looks like it could be attached to a production car as is. It will also be equipped with the Delta Wicker found on the Lan Evo. ④⑤ The underside of the body is covered with an all-carbon undercover, and the rear under spoiler finally functions as a diffuser to increase down force.

SUSPENSION & BRAKE

①②③The front and rear brakes are Brembo, which is standard for GT cars. Although it is a FF, the rear brake capacity is also quite large. The suspension is formally the same as normal, but the mounting position, arm shape, and upright are completely race-specific.The shock with reservoir tank is a double spring specification with a helper spring. (4,5) Inner Fender has been completely rebuilt to accommodate the huge tires. Also, the reinforcement near the strut upper, which is the apex, is like a semi-monocoque made of iron plates, and it seems to be extremely rigid.

ENGINE

(1) There have been some modifications such as cutting the flange, but a normal EX manifold with a heat shield is included. The turbine is also basically normal. This is because the engine itself has a displacement of 2026 cc, which is essentially a WRC Group A car engine. A wire mesh is placed over the right headlight, which serves as an intake to the turbine. Since the nose is low, the intake cooler and oil cooler are mounted horizontally. The engine control is surprisingly Motech. The unit is fixed near the footwell on the passenger side (right side). You can see the machined aluminum stay behind the piping to mount the engine, and the finish is very beautiful.

COCKPIT

① Although the roll cage has a large number of bars, different pipe diameters are used to prevent unnecessary weight increase. (2) However, for the part that needs to be strong, from the roof to the A-pillar, the roll cage and body are connected with a steel plate and made into a box shape to increase strength. ③ Since the vehicle height is low and there is an undercover, the thick exhaust pipe for the turbo has nowhere to go and is pushed up towards the floor. Nearby again! Car is equipped with ballast that takes into account weight balance. ④ Switches that match the receding seats are housed in the carbon center console, which also includes switches for the electric mirrors and power windows. (5) The carbon door has a normal lining...

#Cusco Impreza #Mitsubishi FTO #JGTC FTO #GC8 WRX #Cusco GC8 #TAEIVON FTO

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