Citroen AX at the 'ring: Time For Tea?
9:55 BTG in a 52hp diesel Citroen AX - this you have to see...
Now, an AX GT or GTI we could understand, but a naturally aspirated diesel? Surely not.
It seems one Youtube user was determined to break the 10-minute barrier though - and finally, after seven years, 118 laps, nine engines and five gearboxes, at 8:37am on August 17 2013, said AX enthusiast nailed his goal with a 9min 55sec Bridge to Gantry lap.
Apart from some sticky Yokohama AO48s, a small increase in fuel pressure, a strut bar (apparently because of the "mileage of the body") and an aluminium intake from the top-spec 1.5D engine to avoid said turret brace, the AX was mechanically stock.
Even with fully independent suspension at the rear and tipping the scales at just 720kg - thanks to a completely stripped out interior - it's quite an achievement. From the montage at the end of the video it seems driver and AX built up quite a bond, with the owner even sleeping in it in his quest to bag "the perfect lap."
Check out the vid for commitment.
Also benchmarks Mr Clarkson's efforts in that Diesel Jag, track knowledge and fearless turn-in make up for a lack of suitability in the vehicle.
I suspect there are plenty of folk with track tuned cars, caged out and wearing helmets that wouldn't give it the full attack like that :-)
Impressive stuff, I'd like to find out a little more about the IRS rear, doesn't look turreted in the interior shots!
Do the non GT/GTi AX's have rear ARBs?
Suppose technically the rear suspension on them is independant, the trailing arms are free to rotate around the beam independently, only constrained by their own torsion bar, and the ARB end plates if any are fitted.
I notice, however, that in the vid commentary he says the only mods are the front tyres, strut brace, fuel pressure and xenon lights, nothing about suspension mods! PH error perhaps?
Id kinda like another one as it cost peanuts to run
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