Will Subaru return to WRC in 2011

[f1anatic]

For 2011 WRC is adopting some Super 200 regulations such as turbocharged engines reduced to 1.6 L

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=7216

and it seems that 6 speed sequential gearboxes built to specification by 3 companies and 5 MT gearboxes will be allowed to co-exist

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_2000

but regulations and schedules are a mess, according to the original article a deadline is for tomorrow.

What is interesting is that PRODRIVE (of Subaru WRC fame) elected NOT to apply for the open spot in the F1 championship.

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/formula-1-news/232493/prodrive-not-submitting-2011-f1-entry/

Subaru does have 5MT gearboxes and used to have 1.6 liter engines (in other markets). I think their closest engine (to this spec) is the 1.5 (which is offered in an Impreza chassis).

http://www.subarumotors.ro/datasheet/impreza_benzina_specs.pdf

So I am speculating, maybe Prodrive and Subaru are trying again which would be fantastic.

[rao]

Interesting.

[Metal2You]

Would they really want to take the 2.5L out of the STi and drop a 1.6L in? I'm don't follow this stuff closely, but that seems pretty silly to me. Maybe they'll just stick with other divisions, organizations or series like Rally America?

[Bassnectar]

thats stupid only 1.6 litres with turbo

 

i have a 2.5 N/a and now i feel like i could compete

[stanjk3]

It doesn't mention if they will allow boxer engines again. For the 100th+ time, the real reason Subaru left the WRC is the rules were changed so you have to use an inline engine. Inline engine = no symetrical AWD, so their rally cars wouldn't have the same drivetrain layout as their road cars.

 

I don't know if this is changed under S2000, but under WRC rules you don't have to use the same engine in the rally car that you have in the production car. If the Impreza was only FWD with a NA 2.5L H4, the WRC car can still use a turbo 2.0L H4 & AWD.

[stanjk3]

thats stupid only 1.6 litres with turbo

 

i have a 2.5 N/a and now i feel like i could compete

 

They have to slow the cars down and reduce costs somehow. Don't know how big the restricter plate will be, but I'm guessing it will still make close to 300hp.

[jagcars26]

For the 100th+ time, the real reason Subaru left the WRC is the rules were changed so you have to use an inline engine. Inline engine = no symetrical AWD, so their rally cars wouldn't have the same drivetrain layout as their road cars.

 

.

 

this /\

[IwannaSportSedan]

not just inline.

 

A longitudinal inline (think miata, BMW... etc..) could still have a longitudinal AWD system, (Subaru, some Audis. Inline 4 turbocharged Audis like A4 and A5 have longitudinal "symmetrical" all wheel drive.)

 

The fact that they mandated TRANSVERSE inline engines was the killer (just about any FWD car, with a rear drive section added to it, including EVO, Audi TT and A3, VW, Ford/Volvo, and modern Saabs.)

 

A transverse boxer would be problematic, and Subaru doesn't have inline engines in it's regular road car inventory.

 

Boxer engines and longitudinal drivelines are better. Subaru was right to tell them to go pound sand.

 

There are other Rally venues.

[LosAngelesLGT]

thats stupid only 1.6 litres with turbo

i have a 2.5 N/a and now i feel like i could compete

 

Hate to tell you, a 1.6T tuned will smoke your 2.5n/a effortlessly.