Chevrolet is no stranger to the diverse realm of motorsport, particularly in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The brand’s racing heritage stems from its Swiss-born founder, Louis Chevrolet, who raced cars he personally built over 100 years ago.
Chevrolet made its WTCC debut in 2005 after the brand was relaunched in Europe, fielding a Lacetti sedan with no previous experience in the ruthless racing event. It was a risk worth taking as the team came away with a total of 14 victories, 38 podium finishes, eight pole positions and nine fastest lap records after four full seasons.
The Cruze WTCC did not come into the picture until 2009, almost a year after its global debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Developed by UK-based Ray Mallock Ltd. (RML), one of the leading world specialists in touring, GT and rally race cars, the sedan hit the ground running in its first year of racing with five wins and three pole positions.
Research and development of the Cruze WTCC car started in South Korea, while the bespoke aerodynamic bodykit was fitted in Australia. The car was finally sent to Europe where the chassis and drivetrain were done. Check out the specifications of the 2010 Cruze WTCC car below:
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase (mm): 2,709
Length (mm): 4,633
Width (mm): 1,852
Height (mm): 1,400
Front track (mm): 1,740
Rear track (mm): 1,740
Curb weight (kg): 1,150 (per 2009 FIA minimum weight)
Fuel capacity (liter): 60
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
Structure frame: steel unitary structure with FEA roll cage
Body: steel/composite with Motorsport Aerodynamic Kit, per FIA regulations
Front suspension: MacPherson strut
Rear suspension: trailing twist axle
Wheels and tyres: 17 x 9-inch aluminum ATS racing wheels and Yokohama Competition tires
Front brakes: 4-piston machined aluminium calliper, with 332 x 32 mm vented steel disc, air cooled
Rear brakes: 2-piston machined aluminum caliper, with 280 x 7 mm steel disc
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Type: 2.0L Ecotec 4-cylinder
Displacement (cc): 1,998
Intake system: 64 mm throttle, individual injection, plenum with internal trumpets
Valve train: 16-valve, 34 mm inlet & 28 mm exhaust valve diameter, coil spring
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 285 @ 8,400
Torque (Nm @ rpm): 197 @ 5,800 rpm
Transmission type: 6-speed sequential shift, with mechanical linkage
Top speed (km/h, est): 254
In 2010, Chevrolet made its mark in the championship by taking both the FIA WTCC Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ titles with Yvan Muller at the wheel.
The team continued the season after with a new 1.6-litre turbo engine designed and developed from scratch by RML chief engine engineer, Arnaud Martin, whose magical touch gave his team a staggering 21 wins in 24 races and every single pole position in 2011. The engine earned Martin the highly coveted Race Tech magazine Race Engine Designer of the Year award.
