Rover 75 in DTM 2005
Discussion
According to a news report a German colleague just sent me, Rover are to enter 75 V8s in next year's DTM.
According to the report, it was initiated by SAIC to try to get more european exposure for the marque, although my understanding of the SAIC/Rover deal isn't purchase of Rover shares by SAIC per se as the article suggests, but a joint venture.
At least, that's what my poor German understands:
According to the report, it was initiated by SAIC to try to get more european exposure for the marque, although my understanding of the SAIC/Rover deal isn't purchase of Rover shares by SAIC per se as the article suggests, but a joint venture.
At least, that's what my poor German understands:
said:
Stuttgart (dpa) - Rover tritt in der kommenden Saison als vierter Hersteller neben Audi, Mercedes und Opel beim Deutschen Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) an.
Hans-Werner Aufrecht, der Präsident des Dachverbandes ITR, bestätigte gegenüber dem Fachblatt «Auto Bild motorsport» den Einstieg der Briten: «Ja, es stimmt, Rover kommt 2005.»
Angeblich plant die Traditionsmarke den Einsatz von zwei Rennwagen auf Basis der Mittelklasse-Limousine Rover 75 V8. Als Initiator für das DTM-Engagement werde das chinesische Unternehmen Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. vermutet, das Anfang Dezember 70 Prozent der Rover-Group-Anteile gekauft habe, um sich auf dem europäischen Markt zu etablieren.
Yes, but it sounds like a late decision and something tells me they won't be very competitive. DTM isn't like the BTCC, the cars are much more highly developed as is the engine. The rules state that the engines have to be developed from a series model, the only V8 Rover have is the old Ford 4.6 litre unit. DTM rules also state 4 litre maximum so work will have to be done on the engine not only to make it competitive but also to be race legal.
Lightweight is also a must in DTM carbon fibre is used extensively from the bodywork and drive cell to the driveshaft and clutch.
2006 would to me sound like a more sensible entrance date. Unless they have already spent the last 18 months working on it.
Lightweight is also a must in DTM carbon fibre is used extensively from the bodywork and drive cell to the driveshaft and clutch.
2006 would to me sound like a more sensible entrance date. Unless they have already spent the last 18 months working on it.
I'm not sure about the engines being developed from a series model, you know. The engine Audi uses is a 4-litre Mader race engine that has never been anywhere near a road car - or at least it was for their first few years.
A quick edit with a chunk of humble pie... I've done some poking about and it seems a fourth manufacturer is about to be confirmed in DTM - despite my earlier doubts. Well, well, well. I remain surprised and not entirely convinced that it's MG, but I'm eagerly awaiting the press release. Reidy would love to have a crack at the DTM, I'm sure.
Would've thought that ETCC/WTCC would be the better option, but then DTM has massive crowds and huge publicity. Hmm.
>> Edited by Ahonen on Tuesday 14th December 13:15
A quick edit with a chunk of humble pie... I've done some poking about and it seems a fourth manufacturer is about to be confirmed in DTM - despite my earlier doubts. Well, well, well. I remain surprised and not entirely convinced that it's MG, but I'm eagerly awaiting the press release. Reidy would love to have a crack at the DTM, I'm sure.
Would've thought that ETCC/WTCC would be the better option, but then DTM has massive crowds and huge publicity. Hmm.
>> Edited by Ahonen on Tuesday 14th December 13:15
DTM is unique in being technicaly equal to F1. The cars are basicaly siluettes of a road car which gives MG a chance to make a productionish...sort of looking car competitive.
The huge cost of DTM is a suprise for Rover though. Without a big tie in with someone else as mentioned it could never happen.
The huge cost of DTM is a suprise for Rover though. Without a big tie in with someone else as mentioned it could never happen.
Not really Ted - I mean look at it without the British rose tints on and what do you have?
MG have been trying to win the far less technical and cheaper (money-wise) BTCC since 2002. They couldn't even afford a proper BTCC program in 2004 - hence Reedy going cap in hand to anyone who would listen.
The factory hasn't built a true new mainstream model since the 75 which was over 6 year ago and its core business seems to be the king of facelifts, and over priced tat at both ends of the market (City Rover and MG SV).
They are on the verge of going out of business with the loss of many good people's jobs and yet I'm expected to applaude a DTM program - which done with any credibiity will cost many millions of pounds sterling. Err I don't think so.
IF it happens then I think they will get absolutely destroyed technically and to be honest I can't see it making business sense - is Germany a big market for MG/Rover??
MG have been trying to win the far less technical and cheaper (money-wise) BTCC since 2002. They couldn't even afford a proper BTCC program in 2004 - hence Reedy going cap in hand to anyone who would listen.
The factory hasn't built a true new mainstream model since the 75 which was over 6 year ago and its core business seems to be the king of facelifts, and over priced tat at both ends of the market (City Rover and MG SV).
They are on the verge of going out of business with the loss of many good people's jobs and yet I'm expected to applaude a DTM program - which done with any credibiity will cost many millions of pounds sterling. Err I don't think so.
IF it happens then I think they will get absolutely destroyed technically and to be honest I can't see it making business sense - is Germany a big market for MG/Rover??
Opel had a massive budget last year, brought in top drivers, still was only the 3rd best manufacturer and stuggled at most places. Audi struggled for a while when they first entered as well. Mercedes pile loads of funding into DTM. Unless this is some marketing hype/joke I can't see MG Rover doing anything other than flushing money down the toilet.
I'd expect BMW to be the 4th manufacturer more than anyone else. Unless Audi are going to be running VW's branded cars.
Would be rather cool to see a Bentley Continental GT out there racing under VW funding.
>> Edited by FourWheelDrift on Tuesday 14th December 17:59
I'd expect BMW to be the 4th manufacturer more than anyone else. Unless Audi are going to be running VW's branded cars.
Would be rather cool to see a Bentley Continental GT out there racing under VW funding.
>> Edited by FourWheelDrift on Tuesday 14th December 17:59
I'd hae put my money on the fourth manufacturer being BMW. IIRC they've been on the rule making commitee since day 1 of the modern DTM. If, by some sort of minor miracle, MG Rover announce a DTM programme, I'll be a: very surprised, and b: crying with laughter. Sorry to say it, but they wouldn't have a hope in hell. The MG Le Mans programme a few years ago was a pure branding exercise. The chassis was made by Lola, and the engine by AER (as has been said). Can't see it myself
Autosport says it's MG Rover, running 4 cars next year.
At least Peter Dumbreck and Timo Scheider now have potential new seats to drive in next years DTM now after neing ludicrously dumped by Opel in favour of plodders like Frentzen and Aeillo. Although I think they's be better off in more competitive machinery elsewhere.
At least Peter Dumbreck and Timo Scheider now have potential new seats to drive in next years DTM now after neing ludicrously dumped by Opel in favour of plodders like Frentzen and Aeillo. Although I think they's be better off in more competitive machinery elsewhere.
Funny how short our memories are in this sport...
Aiello, French touring car champion, German touring car champion, British Touring car champion and I think easily lead the Le Mans 24hr for Audi in 2001.
Frentzen, multi GP winner and almost won the title in a Jordan of all things.
Now old plodders??!? Dear, oh dear.
>> Edited by p490kvp on Wednesday 15th December 17:54
Aiello, French touring car champion, German touring car champion, British Touring car champion and I think easily lead the Le Mans 24hr for Audi in 2001.
Frentzen, multi GP winner and almost won the title in a Jordan of all things.
Now old plodders??!? Dear, oh dear.
>> Edited by p490kvp on Wednesday 15th December 17:54
Schieder was top scoring Opel driver in 2004, so he obviously he get's dumped. Dumbreck far better performer than them too and he was also the man who cam to Opel in 2003 and helped a huge ammount by turning them round to something approaching competitveness.
Aeillo was out of Superpole more than any other works driver and Frentzen not at his best throughout the year. When the young drivers keep beating them, then they're expensive old plodders.
Aeillo was out of Superpole more than any other works driver and Frentzen not at his best throughout the year. When the young drivers keep beating them, then they're expensive old plodders.
I attended the DTM finale at Hockenheim this year, through winning a competition in Autosport. Heinz-Harald Frentzen is c r a p. Properly crap. The amount of moments he had in practice and qualifying with other drivers by not checking his mirrors was beyond belief. He was also the slowest works car, by some margin. I honestly can't remember his race performance, it was that electrifying. Honestly, he is nothing special on the evidence I've seen
>> Edited by The DJ 27 on Wednesday 15th December 18:19
>> Edited by The DJ 27 on Wednesday 15th December 18:19
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