Regulations World Rally Car

1 regulations

1.1 1997–2010
1.2 2011–2016
1.3 2017

regulations
1997–2010

a subaru impreza wrc2006 being prepared prodrive

between 1997 , 2010, regulations mandated world rally cars must have been built upon production car minimum production run of 2500 units. number of modifications made including increasing engine displacement 2.0l, forced induction (including anti-lag system), addition of 4 wheel drive, fitment of sequential gearbox, modified suspension layout , attachment points, aerodynamic body modifications, weight reduction minimum of 1230 kg , chassis strengthening greater rigidity.

unlike requirements preceding group cars, manufacturers no longer required build homologation specials in order meet approval. base model did not need have characteristics of wrc car, evidenced cars such peugeot 206, 307, citroën xsara , Škoda fabia, during period had no road car variant turbocharged petrol engine or 4 wheel drive. 1 of requirements minimum length of 4000 mm; standard peugeot 206 had overall length of 3835 mm , peugeot had produce @ least 2500 units featuring extended bumpers comply required dimensions.

to limit power, forced induction cars fitted 34 mm diameter air restrictor before turbocharger inlet, limiting air flow 10 cubic meters per minute. restriction intended limit power output 300 hp although wrc engines believed produce around 330–340 hp. engine development did not focus on peak power output towards producing wide powerband (or power curve). typically, power output in excess of 300 hp available 3000 rpm 7500 rpm maximum, peak of 330–340 hp @ around 5500 rpm. @ 2000 rpm (the engine idle speed in stage mode) power output above 200 hp.

by 2004, best cars had abs, clutch control, paddle shift, traction control, 3 active differentials, ride height control gps, electronic dampers , active suspension.

in attempt cut costs, since 2006 new regulations required mechanical front , rear differentials, while central differential remained active. active suspension , water injections prohibited. cars entered manufacturer had equipped same engine 2 rallies; further limitations imposed on changing of parts, including suspension, steering, turbochargers , gearboxes.

2011–2016

starting in 2011, rules wrc cars changed more restrictive. regulations derived super 2000 cars different aerodynamic kit. cars smaller models (there no longer minimum 4m length), 1600 cm direct injection turbo-charged engine 33 mm diameter air restrictor , maximum pressure of 2.5 bar absolute (this limit torque 400 n.m or less).

exotic materials (titanium, magnesium, ceramics , composite) forbidden except when present in base model. carbon fibre , aramid fibre restricted ( 1 layer of fabric used , affixed visible face of part ), except bodywork s side protections multiple layers of aramid fibre allowed.

the gear changes must made mechanical system, paddle shifters not allowed. system re-allowed in 2015. there no center differential (earlier used 3 differentials, center/3rd differential included), new regulation allows front , rear axle differential (eliminating center differential reduce cost), , must mechanical, without electronic control or hydraulic or viscous systems (from 2006 2010 center differential , 3 active). minimum weight 1200 kg empty , 1350 kg driver , co-driver (in both cases 1 spare wheel).

2017

the 1.6 l turbo-charged engine retained in 2017 world rally car regulations, turbo restrictor diameter increased 33 mm 36 mm, increasing engine s power output 310 bhp (223.7 kw) 380 bhp (283.4 kw). minimum vehicle weight decreased 25 kg.

manufacturers given more freedom maximise aerodynamic performance, large brake cooling ducts in fairings forming enlarged wheel arches, , allowed use electronically-controlled active centre differentials, while front , rear differentials remain mechanical.

while 2011 specification world rally cars allowed compete in 2017, new world rally cars allowed use manufacturers teams only.