A rally car is compact road vehicle that has thorough makeover. Rally cars are based on standard road cars like Toyota Yaris or Hyundai i20 but lot more different than passenger cars. It’s been stripped to metal shell and completely rebuilt from scratch by engineers. Rally cars need to face all sorts of challenging terrain including dirt, rocks, muds, sand, snow and ice covered terrains hence an efficient hatchback becomes roaring racing machine during competition. Rally cars are built on specification and regulations governed by International Rally Regulation.
Let’s start with Car engine. Engines are tunes up for better performance during competition. Regular 90 BHP Car transformed into 300 BHP mean machine. Full cast engine block light weighting is done. Power is pump up in engine with the help of turbo charger and a normal road car is transformed into a car that roars in rally circuit. Supersized substantial radiator system used; this keep engine cool and car doesn’t get overheat.
Car is stripped down to make car as light as possible. Car paint is taken off instead of car painting; graphics used just because graphics are much lighter than paint. Removing car paint alone helps to reduce 5 kg weight. All surplus brackets and panels are removed. Light weighting helps in strong finish in the rally.
Cage is welded to chassis for additional safety of the driver during an event of crash. Cage can even accommodate larger fuel tank in the back. Body shell is then dipped into acid.
Car is upgraded from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. Rear wheel transmission is installed to convert front wheel drive car to four wheel drive. Four-wheel transmission helps drive in better traction and car handling in different terrains.
Lightweight fibreglass is used to make car dashboard. Dashboard is covered with velvety fabric to block light reflection. Car’s seats sink driver and navigator better and hold drive to its position perfectly; driver doesn’t slide around. Seats are made from carbon fibre and indestructible material Even side windows and rear window are made from fibreglass.
Rally car requires tougher parts. Rally car bumper is redesigned to accommodate bigger size tyres. Rally car bumpers and bonnet have clip instead of locks for quick and easy handling during service and emergencies. Rally car tyres are made with special material. Rally car tyres have strong side walls that can absorb all sort of impact at high speed during competition.
Rally car have air scoop on bonnet and cabin. It is mandatory for driver to carry two fire extinguisher during race.
Instead of car paiting graphics are being used just because graphics much lighter than paint. Light weight helps in strong finish in the rally.