Rinkai Fujisaki JIKO GT500 '99
In 1999, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Rinkai released a midship-engine car known as the JIKO (自己; self). Its peak power output of 240 kW (322 hp) didn't sound like much compared to those of Modena's latest and greatest, but it more than made up for it with a weight of 805 kg (1774 lb) and specially-tuned suspension. Coinciding with the JIKO's release, Rinkai announced that it would be competing in the 1999 JGTS (Japanese Grand Touring Series) with a GT500-spec version of the JIKO.
The race car’s turbocharged two-litre engine had been modified to make almost 500 hp (373 kW), and 34 kg of weight was shaved off. Extensive aero upgrades allowed the car to generate well in excess of 400 kg (882 lb) of downforce at 290 kph (180 mph), while stiff race suspension allowed it to slingshot through corners with up to 2 g of force.
Rinkai’s works team, with tire manufacturer Fujisaki as a primary sponsor, entered two cars in the 1999 JGTS season. Car number 25 finished 2nd overall, signalling a bright future for Rinkai in motorsports as the new millennium approached.
JIKO GT500
SPECS
Layout MR
Engine Name RI2-4D
Aspiration TB
Displacement 1997 cc
Peak Power 370 kW (497 hp) @ 8400 RPM
Peak Torque 471 Nm (348 ft-lb) @ 7200 RPM
Weight 771 kg (1700 lb)
Weight Distribution Front/Rear 37/63
STARTING PRICE
N/A (development and production cost approx. ¥132,139,310/unit)
COLOURS
#25 Ethereal White/Pacific Blue/Tangerine
#26 Ethereal White/Pacific Blue/Tangerine
Layout MR
Engine Name RI2-4D
Aspiration TB
Displacement 1997 cc
Peak Power 370 kW (497 hp) @ 8400 RPM
Peak Torque 471 Nm (348 ft-lb) @ 7200 RPM
Weight 771 kg (1700 lb)
Weight Distribution Front/Rear 37/63
STARTING PRICE
N/A (development and production cost approx. ¥132,139,310/unit)
COLOURS
#25 Ethereal White/Pacific Blue/Tangerine
#26 Ethereal White/Pacific Blue/Tangerine