AIRF #2: 1600 Touring Cars - Beginner Touring Class (Cancelled)

1600 Touring Cars

The Automation International Racing Federation has created a new class because higher level touring car drivers have had questionable driving recently. This new class is supposed to be cheap and make it easy to develop racing technique in a lower stakes environment. You are a manufacturer looking to make a few bucks off advertising and teams buying your car. (Thanks to @Riley for some of the inspiration for this challenge)

1600 Touring Cars (16TC)

Rules & Regulations

Overall Regulations:

  • Year set to 2020
  • Techpool left at +5
  • Up to +5 quality allowed everywhere
  • No negative quality allowed
  • No legacy or open wheel bodies
  • Minimum weight: 1200kg (2645.5lbs)

Engine Regulations:

  • 1.6 Liter, turbocharged
  • Engine must use Unleaded Premium 95 RON Fuel
  • Must pass WES 8 Emissions
  • Maximum loudness of 75
  • Maximum horsepower: 225

Chassis Regulations:

  • Wheelbase must be 2.3 to 2.6 meters (the exact number when you hover over a body in the selector)
  • Maximum width of 2.0 meters (measure with ruler fixture) (other than mirrors)
  • Maximum length of 4.4 meters (measure with ruler fixture)

Drivetrain Regulations:

  • Must be FWD
  • Must use a 6 speed sequential transmission
  • Must use a clutched race differential

Wheel and Tire Regulations:

  • Must use radial race hard tires
  • Maximum front tire width: 240mm
  • Maximum rear tire width: 240mm
  • Rims must be 17 or 18 inches

Aerodynamic Regulations:

  • Maximum downforce (total front and rear in the performance statistics): 100kg (220.5 lbs)
  • 100 cooling and brake airflow mandatory
  • No active wings or cooling flaps
  • Must use fully clad undertray

Other Regulations:

  • Standard 20s safety required
  • Optimize weight adjustment allowed
  • Do not use weight distribution adjuster
  • No active or semi-active suspension, dampers or sway bars allowed
  • Toe may not be used at all (sorry it’s just broken)

Priorities:

:star: :star: :star:

Lap time around Ellisbury Junior course:

duh

Price:

This is supposed to be a cheap

:star: :star:

Service costs:

Save some money

Sportiness:

The car should handle well

:star:

Design:

Advertise your brand

Reliability:

Should be able to finish a race

Inspirations:



6 Likes

I’d consider this series as a feeder (of sorts) to the previous one.

1 Like

racing special 1600R

3 Likes

Is that for all four year choices? (Model, Trim, Family and Variant?)

yes

When is the deadline?

September 15th

1 Like

How are you gonna have a 2020 car with no direct injection???

They do exist - the rule’s there to save costs.

sorry that shouldn’t be there, I’ll fix it

Are coupes allowed?

yes, but try to keep it similar to the inspiration

1 Like

What would be an ideal price?

20000-35000

Introducing the Apex Innovations Racing: Inicio 1600 Homologated Race Edition

Compact yet potent, the Inicio 1600 embodies the spirit of competitive racing with its aerodynamic profile and high-output turbocharged engine. Every element, from its lightweight chassis to its race-tuned suspension, is designed to enhance speed and handling precision

Marketing

A Race-Bred Hatchback for True Enthusiasts

The Apex Innovations Racing Inicio 1600HRE is the embodiment of precision engineering and pure racing heritage. Every inch of this subcompact hatchback is designed for one purpose—performance on the track. But don’t be fooled by its competitive nature—this homologated race edition is also engineered for everyday driving, making it the ultimate fusion of track-ready performance and street-legal practicality.


Turbocharged Power and Precision Handling

At the heart of the Inicio 1600HRE lies the Precision Engineering & Machining 16LH92 engine—a 1.6L turbocharged inline-3 that punches well above its weight class, delivering an impressive 225 horsepower at 6500 RPM. The responsive direct injection system and advanced turbocharger combine for blistering acceleration, while the ball-bearing turbo and variable geometry ensure seamless power delivery at all speeds. Whether you’re navigating city streets or tearing down the straightaways, this engine is built to perform.

Matched with a 6-speed sequential transmission and clutched race limited-slip differential, the Inicio 1600HRE provides immediate, precise control over every shift, making corner exits smooth and powerful. The lightweight corrosion-resistant steel monocoque chassis and double wishbone front suspension with multilink rear suspension give the vehicle unrivaled balance and stability. Razor-sharp handling is guaranteed, whether on the road or track.


Aerodynamic Excellence and Unmatched Cornering

Engineered for peak performance, the Inicio 1600HRE features a progressive suspension setup and passive sway bars that keep body roll to a minimum during high-speed cornering. With the ability to generate up to 1.39g in cornering forces, this vehicle maintains maximum grip through every bend. The aerodynamic design of the Inicio also contributes to its on-track prowess, with 224.5 lbs of combined downforce keeping it planted at high speeds.

Brake performance is equally uncompromising, with 325mm 4-piston vented disc brakes in the front and 375mm 2-piston vented disc brakes in the rear. These race-spec components, paired with pro-sport brake pads, ensure that the Inicio stops as well as it accelerates, bringing you to a halt from 100 km/h in just 32.8 meters.


A Cockpit Designed for the Track

Step inside the Inicio 1600HRE, and you’re greeted by a purpose-built racing cockpit. Dual carbon fiber molded race seats, equipped with AIRF-compliant 5-point safety harnesses, hold you firmly in place, offering unparalleled comfort and safety, even during the most demanding maneuvers. For the true racing enthusiast, the basic telemetry system provides real-time performance data, ensuring that you’re always in tune with the car’s dynamics.

Despite its track orientation, the Inicio 1600HRE comes with essential electronic stability control and launch control systems, making it not only fast but also easy to manage for daily use. These features, combined with a durable, yet lightweight chassis, make the Inicio 1600HRE the perfect companion for both weekend warriors and track-day regulars.


Powertrain

Introducing the Precision Engineering & Machining 16LH92:

A high-performance inline 3-cylinder engine designed for those who demand efficiency without sacrificing power. With the 098-TIIS-MHNN-85 variant, this engine delivers exceptional power, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency, making it the perfect choice for performance vehicles that seek to strike a balance between driving dynamics and compact size.


Efficiency Meets Performance

At the core of the 16LH92 is a compact 98 cubic inch (1599 cc) 12-valve DOHC inline 3 engine, meticulously engineered to deliver robust power while maintaining efficiency. Producing a remarkable 225 horsepower at 6500 RPM and 218.5 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPM, this engine punches well above its weight class, offering performance that rivals larger engines in its segment.

With a redline of 7300 RPM, the 16LH92 excels in high-revving scenarios, making it ideal for drivers who crave a dynamic and responsive powertrain. The cast iron block ensures durability, while the aluminum 4-valve DOHC head keeps the engine light and thermally efficient.


Turbocharged for Precision Power Delivery

The 16LH92 features a turbocharged configuration with a 48.0mm compressor and 44.0mm turbine housed in a 0.57 A/R ratio turbo. This setup provides the optimal balance between low-end torque and high-end power, with variable geometry ensuring smooth and precise power delivery throughout the rev range. Boost control and ball-bearing construction allow for quicker spool times, while 11.60 psi of boost pressure brings the engine to life, making it highly responsive even at lower RPMs.


Advanced Fuel and Induction Technology

The direct injection system and individual throttle body intake work together to ensure the 16LH92 delivers clean, efficient, and responsive power. By individually controlling each cylinder’s air intake, the engine maximizes air-fuel mixture accuracy, optimizing power output and fuel economy. With a 90% fuel map and timing advancement of 10 degrees, this engine is fine-tuned to perform on 90 AKI premium unleaded fuel, making it efficient without compromising on power.


Compact Size, Powerful Sound

In addition to its performance characteristics, the 16LH92 is designed to offer a unique and thrilling auditory experience. With a single 2.00" exhaust system and high-flow three-way catalytic converter, this engine is engineered for performance, allowing the turbo to spool up freely and deliver a sharp, throaty exhaust note. For drivers who appreciate raw, unfiltered power, the 16LH92 is equipped with no mufflers, giving this inline-3 engine a signature sound that turns heads.


Built to Last

The 16LH92 doesn’t just deliver power—it’s built to withstand the demands of high-performance driving. The forged steel crankshaft, forged connecting rods, and lightweight forged pistons provide exceptional strength and durability under high pressure and RPMs, ensuring reliability and longevity. The addition of balance shafts helps smooth out engine vibrations, offering refined driving dynamics and a comfortable experience even at higher RPMs.


Unleash the Power of Compact Performance

Whether you’re building a lightweight performance vehicle or need an engine that can provide peak performance without compromising on weight or space, the Precision Engineering & Machining 16LH92 delivers. With 225 horsepower, turbocharged precision, and cutting-edge engineering, this engine sets a new standard for compact performance.

Choose the 16LH92—where power, precision, and engineering excellence meet in perfect

Performance

Lap times:

Automation:

  • Sector 1: 0:43:32
  • Sector 2: 1:23:75
  • Sector 3: 2:10:54

Airfield:

  • Sector 1: 0:20:88
  • Sector 2: 0:50:57
  • Sector 3: 1:19:34

Ellisbury Tri-Oval:

  • Sector 1: 0:27:23
  • Sector 2: 0:45:51
  • Sector 3: 1:03:03

Ellisbury Grand Prix:

  • Sector 1: 0:50:17
  • Sector 2: 2:00:24
  • Sector 3: 2:59:94

Ellisbury GT Circuit:

  • Sector 1: 0:50:17
  • Sector 2: 1:28:68
  • Sector 3: 2:15:60

Ellisbury Junior Course:

  • Sector 1: 0:22:84
  • Sector 2: 0:42:81
  • Sector 3: 1:08:58

Nordschleife:

  • Sector 1: 1:51:84
  • Sector 2: 5:10:41
  • Sector 3: 8:02:16
Gallery

Street-Legal Race Car

For those who refuse to compromise between performance and practicality, the Apex Innovations Racing Inicio 1600HRE offers the best of both worlds. It’s a homologated race car, designed to provide thrilling, unapologetic driving dynamics, all while being fully road-legal. The Inicio is the car for those who demand race-level thrills on and off the track.

2 Likes

Is this challenge still alive?

unfortunately not

Unfortunately, this challenge will be cancelled due to lack of submissions. Thank you to those who did submit.

Did I win then? Lol

I’ll take the critique if you’re willing.

I submited as well would love one critique as well