Tag Archives: rally

NEWS

8 best off-road going sports cars

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The idea of sports cars transformed into off-road or rally versions is not a new one. The Porsche 959 was modified for the Paris-Dakar rally in the 1980s, while the Datsun 240Z competed in the East African Safari Rally in 1973.

However, recent years have seen an increase in the production of sports cars offering off-road and rally editions. Who wouldn’t love them? They look cool, fast, and are not afraid to conquer rough terrains. Here, we list eight options of sports car models in off-road versions available today:

1. Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato

The emergence of the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is rather unbelievable. With its sharp and aggressive supercar appearance, it wasn’t easy to transform it into a rugged off-road style. However, Lamborghini successfully infused the Huracan with off-road aesthetics that complement its nature.

It sits 44mm higher than the standard model, equipped with special run-flat tires from Bridgestone. The car still runs on a 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10 engine producing 610PS, but with Rally modifications that enhance its AWD setup and suspension system.

2. Porsche 911 Dakar

The Porsche 911 has been one of the most popular models to be converted into off-road or rally versions. The 911 Dakar is an official model from Porsche, paying tribute to the original 911 that triumphed in the Paris-Dakar rally in 1984 and 1986.

Compared to the standard model, the 911 Dakar sits 50mm higher, powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine from the GTS variant delivering 480PS, and outfitted with special Pirelli Scorpion tires. Only 2,500 units will be produced.

3. Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute

The Safari Rally Z Tribute is not just for the SEMA showcase; it is a modern variation of the Datsun 240Z that won the 1971 Safari Rally. Based on the new Nissan 400Z, the Safari Rally Tribute version features KW suspension with an additional 2 inches, spotlights, and under-chassis protection plates.

Inside, it boasts a roll cage, Recaro seats, 4-point harness, and even a paper map. Undoubtedly cool. Hopefully, Nissan will release a version for the public to purchase.

4. Morgan Plus Four CX-T

Did you ever think Morgan would venture into the off-road scene? Interestingly, Morgan has been a popular choice for time attack and hill-climb competitions. The CX-T version utilizes the Plus Four model and is tuned by Rally Raid UK experts, showcasing rally springs, shock absorbers, a roll cage, fog lights, and various other accessories.

5. Singer ACS

The 911 Dakar and Huracan Sterrato are undeniably cool, but they pale in comparison to the Singer ACS or the full name: All-Terrain Competition Study.

A collaboration between Singer and 911 expert Richard Tuthil, it may seem like a modest 450PS in power, but ordering this model allows for power enhancements. This might just be our favorite off-road version of a sports car.

It’s worth setting the car’s image as your phone wallpaper.

6. Lancia Stratos

When asked which off-road sports car is the most original, the answer must be the Lancia Stratos. Designed with a very short wheelbase, not to look cool, but for rallying purposes. This design provides the Stratos with agile handling and a tendency towards oversteer, which rally enthusiasts go crazy for.

Only 492 Stratos were ever built, making it rarer than the Lamborghini Miura. It also achieved victory in the World Rally Championship from 1974 to 1976, solidifying its legendary status.

7. Ariel Nomad

Britain seems to have two ideas for high-performance off-road vehicles. One is the Range Rover V8, while the other is the Ariel Nomad, a blend of the Ariel Atom, dune buggy, Tamiya RC car, and fairground ride. It is powered by a Honda 2.4-liter engine delivering power to the rear wheels.

With an open cabin devoid of a roof and doors, the Nomad promises genuine fun on off-road trails.

8. RUF Rodeo

Given the popularity of the 911 in off-road settings, it seems RUF also wants to showcase their take on it. With higher suspension, off-road tires, a upgraded flat-six engine, and luxurious leather accents in the cabin, enter the RUF Rodeo.

The tuned turbocharged engine generates 610hp, transmitting power to all wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Rodeo is also equipped with double-wishbone suspension with pushrod shock absorbers at the front and rear, along with 6-piston brakes at the front and 4-piston brakes at the rear.

NEWS

Toyota will revive the legendary Celica name – 2.0L turbo, 400hp, GR-Four AWD

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EVEN with the existing lineup of sports car models (GR Supra, GR Yaris, GR Corolla & GR86), Toyota Gazoo Racing plans to revive some iconic names that once dominated the world. These include the Toyota MR2/MRS and Toyota Starlet.

The latest report from Japan reveals that Toyota intends to resurrect the Celica name as one of the high-performance models under the Gazoo Racing brand.

Unlike the rumors circulating last year, Toyota aims to take a more traditional approach, with the Celica re-emerging as a GR model paired with a 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine producing 400 hp.

The Japanese publication also disclosed that the development of the high-performance engine had actually begun several years ago and would be fully ready before it is announced by Akio Toyoda at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon.

With the combination of the AWD GR-Four drive system, it is a fitting step to revive the spirit of the Celica GT-Four while simultaneously paying homage to the success of previous Celica models in rallying.

Best Car Web predicts that the new Celica model will be revealed as early as January next year at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. In addition to the Celica, Toyota is reportedly developing a hot hatch version of the Starlet designed as a rally-focused vehicle in the Rally4 WRC class.

Unlike the more comprehensive and powerful GR Yaris, this ‘GR Starlet’ will utilize a smaller-displacement (1.3-liter) turbocharged inline-three-cylinder engine and a more compact front-wheel-drive system.

The same platform will also be used by Toyota for another entry-level rear-wheel-drive sports car model, the S-FR, which is said to be capable of generating up to 150 PS and 220 Nm of torque.

NEWS

MIRC launched, to bring rally actions through Malaysian oil palm plantations in 2024

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After five years of silence in Malaysia’s rally sports due to the absence of roaring engines in the oil palm plantations, it is now set to make a comeback with the launch of the Malaysia International Rally Championship (MIRC) 2024.

Scheduled to take place in March 2024, this carnival-style event will be held in Paya Besar, passing through the Felda Panching oil palm plantation near the city of Kuantan, Pahang.

The challenging and high-speed rally through the oil palm plantations has given rise to prominent figures in Malaysian rally such as Karamjit Singh. It has become a unique landscape that puts Malaysia on the international rally calendar.

The MIRC race will be organized by the Millennium Motorsport Adventure Club (MMAC) and managed by a prominent event management company, Semenyih Eco-Ventures Resort & Recreation, in collaboration with strategic partners from the Paya Besar Parliamentary Office, Kuantan City Council, Pahang State Government, and Pahang Corporation.

The event is also recognized by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia.

The Event Director, Dato’ Seri Mohamad Khafey Ikhwan Bin Abdul Latiff, stated, “The organization of this MIRC is distinct from previous organizers. The main event is the rally race itself, which will feature racers and the latest cars from China, Thailand, and Indonesia.

“Furthermore, local racers are sure to anticipate the return of the greatness of rally sports in Malaysia.”

He added, “To enhance the excitement throughout the week, we will also organize a carnival and food festival at two main locations, namely the Felda Panching Carnival Site and the Kuantan City Carnival Site in Pahang.

The rally race will offer a total cash prize of almost RM30,000 to all 4WD and 2WD category winners, including overall motorcycle prizes for each category competed.

Other additional prizes will also be announced later.

Stay tuned for our coverage leading up to and after the race.