In relation to international motorsport governed by the FIA , Group N refers to regulations providing "standard" large-scale series production vehicles for competition. They are limited in terms of modifications permitted to the standard specification by the manufacturer making them a cost effective method of production vehicle motorsport. Often referred to as the "showroom class", Group N contrasts with Group A which has greater freedom to modify and tune the cars to be more suitable to racing. Both groups may have the same or similar models homologated by a manufacturer.
43-822: The TC America Series is a touring car racing series based in the United States . It is managed by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation and sanctioned by the United States Auto Club . With the separation of classes from the Pirelli World Challenge , WC Vision and the SRO Motorsport Group created the TC America Series, for cars that previously competed in the TC / TCA / TCR categories. For
86-699: A common design. Touring car racing is also referred to as saloon car racing . Worldwide Modern World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) started in 2005 , evolving from the reborn European Touring Car Championship . The series merged with the TCR International Series and became the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) starting from 2018 . In 2023 , the WTCR was replaced by the TCR World Tour . Running at major international racing facilities, this series
129-480: A drag-reduction system (DRS) designed to encourage overtaking. More than 20 works-backed entries of the Opel Astra , Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz CLK contested the revived 2000 DTM series but a serious issue developed for the series when Opel pulled out ahead of the 2006 season. BMW would eventually replace Opel as the series' third manufacturer for 2012, while Mercedes-AMG withdrew at the end of 2018. Mercedes-AMG
172-653: A few in Denmark . The most successful car makes were Volvo, BMW, Audi, and Nissan. In 2010 the championship merged with the Danish Touringcar Championship to form the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship . The 2010 champion was Robert Dahlgren , because he had achieved the best results from selected races in the Danish and Swedish championships. Rickard Rydell and Johan Kristoffersson won
215-470: A home as a more economic class in national level touring car racing. In many countries, there would often be two touring car championships, one for Group A and one for Group N. The category had some brief success with the demise of the Supertouring class in the late 1990s, when a few national regulations were relaxed to allow a greater number of modifications, in the guise of Super Production . The category
258-475: A non-championship race at Fuji Speedway along with the full GT500 grid, labelled the 'SUPER GT x DTM Dream Race'. Aston Martin withdrew from the event as they intended to focus on developing the Vantage package for 2020, however this never eventuated as the program was ended. Audi announced in late April 2020 that they would be discontinuing their involvement in the series after the end of the 2020 season, following
301-469: A test of reliability and pit crews as much as car, driver speed, and consistency. Touring car racing started in the mid twentieth century as a long-format style of competition that took place on public roads between numerous towns. The cars were crewed by a driver and, because of their unreliability, a mechanic who carried tools and spares. The legacy of these beginnings can still be seen in modern touring and GT cars – the driver sits offset from
344-403: A trophy. In Australia, Supercars enjoys a strong support base that is still driven in large part by the tribal Ford versus Holden battle. Over 200,000 total spectators attend the four-day Adelaide 500 and Bathurst 1000 events, and the 2019 Bathurst 1000 drew a maximum of 2.36 million television viewers across the country. This compares favourably with other major sporting events such as
387-519: A year of running its Nissan Altimas privately, Supercars reverted to a two-make Ford vs. Holden competition. Different sets of regulations do apply: Group N Group N was introduced by the FIA in 1982 to replace the outgoing Group 1 as "standard touring cars". At this time there were not specific formulae for production racing cars in competition. The World Rally Championship (WRC), for example, only permitted groups A, B and N cars to compete (Group B
430-606: Is popular in the United States . While the cars do not move as fast as those in formula or sports car races, their similarity both to one another and to fans' own vehicles makes for well-supported racing. The lesser use of aerodynamics means following cars have a much easier time passing than in open-wheel racing , and the more substantial bodies of the cars makes the subtle bumping and nudging for overtaking much more acceptable as part of racing. As well as short sprint races, many touring car series include one or more endurance races , which last anything from 3 to 24 hours and are
473-640: Is still used in circuit racing all over the world, especially in Japan, which has the long running Super Taikyu ( スーパー耐久 , Super Taikyu , translated as 'Super Endurance') , as well as in the Italian ETCS endurance series run by Peroni Promotion, but was once again relegated to a secondary status with the introduction of Super 2000 , the class of cars currently run in the World Touring Car Championship . In rallying , Group N could be entered into
SECTION 10
#1732868865339516-468: Is supported by BMW , SEAT and Chevrolet . The latter fields a works team, whereas the other two only sell racing kits to be installed on their cars, providing technical support to their customers. In 2011, Volvo also entered the championship, fielding a one-car team as an evaluation for a possible heavier commitment to the series. The World Touring Car Championship features 1.6-litre cars built to Super 2000 regulations based on FIA Group N . Following
559-439: Is the national formula. The range of modifications allowed was quite narrow - few mechanical engine modifications were allowed (save for lightening within set limits and baffled sumps) although the choice of ECU was free, and this could liberate some extra power itself, and most of the modifications allowed were to promote longevity rather than increased performance, although the boundaries of these two areas were blurring towards
602-666: The 2013 season , the Group N4's cars were some of the eligible cars in WRC-2, considering their competitiveness to the other types like Super 2000 and Group R cars in the category, there was also a FIA Production Car Cup among N4 cars in WRC-2. Group N cars have not been eligible for WRC rallies since 2019 but the FIA regional rally championships continue to allow N4 cars. Away from FIA sanctioned events, many rallies at national level are run under Group N. Some local variants of Group N have been created to allow other marques to compete where Group N
645-579: The 2016 season manufacturer team entries came from BMW, Subaru , MG , and Honda . Since BTCC budgets have been kept relatively low, there is a strong independent and privateer presence in the championship. Manufacturers represented by privateers include Vauxhall , Ford , Toyota , Volkswagen , Chevrolet, and Audi . Prior to 2001 the BTCC was contested by cars built to 2.0-litre supertouring regulations and had in its heyday up to nine different manufacturers. Joachim Winkelhock stated on several occasions that it
688-595: The 2020 season , while Ford returned for the 2019 season with the Mustang project. The Commodore will be replaced with a Chevrolet Camaro , which will be sold in Australia by General Motors Specialty Vehicles. Other manufacturers have also appeared in the series, including Nissan with Kelly Racing , Volvo with Garry Rogers Motorsport , and Mercedes-Benz in a non-factory-supported program from Erebus Motorsport . With Kelly Racing's switch to Ford Mustangs for 2020 after
731-645: The AFL Grand Final with 2.2 million TV viewers in 2019 . Supercars is also popular in New Zealand , with a regular round formerly held in the country (previously held at Pukekohe ) being the only international event on the series calendar. Attempts at further international expansion were made in China , Malaysia , the Middle East , and the United States during the 2000s and 2010s, none of which have survived. As
774-570: The Next Generation Touring Car specification, from 2011 , started a phased transition from Super 2000 cars in an effort to cut costs and improve the sport. Germany/Europe The DTM series, the initials standing for Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft until 1996, then following a hiatus, revived as Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in 2000, features advanced purpose built 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-powered space frame machines, covered with largely carbon fibre bodyshapes resembling
817-584: The Subaru Impreza WRX and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution , although a wide range of vehicles were homologated by the FIA including small two wheel drive hatchbacks. Group N regulations were intended to be phased out from rally competition in 2013. With the introduction of Group R the FIA created the R4 class intending it to be the "new Group N" and existing N4 cars could also be re-homologated in
860-566: The 'fastest touring cars in the world' racing at speeds that can reach nearly 300 km/h. They are also the most expensive touring cars in the world with each car costing in excess of $ 1 million (AUD) which includes bespoke $ 250,000 (AUD) 5.0-litre V8 engines producing approximately 635 hp (473 kW). The current formula was devised in 1993 (based on Group A regulations) and branded as 'V8 Supercars' in 1997 and 'Supercars' in 2016. The series features grids of approximately 25 cars, although selected events feature wildcard entries which add to
903-399: The 12 months prior to homologation. The homologation period runs for seven years after every consecutive year of qualifying production of the model, with production of the model considered stopped when less than 10% (250) are made in one year. Before 1993 the production requirement was 5000. While Group A became the standard category for international level touring car racing , Group N found
SECTION 20
#1732868865339946-552: The Japanese sports car series Super GT which runs a near identical set of rules and regulations in its GT500 class. Honda, Toyota – represented via Lexus , and Nissan each entered a wildcard entry for the final race of the 2019 season at the Hockenheimring . The cars entered were a Nissan GT-R (R35), a Lexus LC 500 and a Honda NSX . For the weekend of the 22nd-24 November, DTM sent three BMW M4s and four Audi RS5s to take part in
989-582: The NLS series of ten typically four-hour-long races. Cars range from old 100 hp (75 kW) road legal compacts to 500 hp (370 kW) Porsche 996 and even modified DTM cars (1,250 kg (2,760 lb)). Most entrants of the 24 Hours Nürburgring collect experience here. Sweden/Denmark Between 1996 and 2010 the Swedish Touring Car Championship contained various races in Sweden and
1032-477: The UK with cars built to Next Generation Touring Car specification, with ballast being used to equalise performance. From 2011 , cars that ran to the BTCC's own Next Generation Touring Car specification were eligible to compete in a phased move away from Super 2000 regulations. Cars are 2.0-litre saloons , station wagons and hatchbacks with over 350 bhp (260 kW) and can be front or rear-wheel drive. During
1075-429: The centreline of the car and there is space for a second seat (although they are rarely fitted any more). While rules vary from country to country and series to series, most series require that the competitors start with a standard car body , but virtually every other component may be allowed to be heavily modified for racing, including engines, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires. Aerodynamic aids are sometimes added to
1118-525: The championship in 2011 and 2012 , in a Chevrolet and a VW , respectively. In 2013 the series merged with the TTA – Racing Elite League to form the 2013 STCC – Racing Elite League season , starring 17 drivers for Volvo, BMW, Saab , Citroën , Dacia , and Honda. Australia and New Zealand Formerly the Australian Touring Car Championship , Supercars are recognised internationally as
1161-635: The decline in sales and eventual discontinuation of the Falcon in 2016 and Commodore in 2020 (the two models that exclusively competed in the V8 formula from 1993 to 2012). Ford withdrew all financial support after 2015 , and Holden cut most of its support back to only the Red Bull Holden Racing Team from 2017. Holden was shut down as a brand during 2020, ending its factory involvement in Supercars after
1204-405: The end of the group's lifespan. Furthermore, cars with forced induction engines were fitted with a restrictor in front of the charger to limit power. Originally, Group N meant that all the interior trim had to be present (including the rear seat), but it later changed to allow removal of the trim aside from the dashboard and replacement of the door trim. The springs and dampers were free, as are
1247-575: The front and rear of the cars. Regulations are usually designed to limit costs by banning some of the more exotic technologies available (for instance, many series insist on a control tire that all competitors must use) and keep the racing close (sometimes by ballast weight where winning a race requires the winner's car to be heavier for subsequent races). Touring cars share some similarity with American stock car racing governed by NASCAR . However, touring cars are, at least notionally, derived from production cars while today's NASCAR vehicles are based on
1290-540: The grid. The cars are currently based on the Ford Mustang GT and Holden Commodore (ZB) The minimum weight for a Supercar including driver is 1,395 kg (3,075 lb). The Commodore will be replaced by a Chevrolet Camaro in 2022. The race cars themselves are derived from production body panels and space frame chassis. Both body styles feature an aerodynamic package incorporating large front and rear wings designed to ensure equal aerodynamic performance between
1333-435: The initial season of 2019, there will be 8 events with 2 40-minute races. A DSG Cup was also announced for cars equipped with DSG transmission. [REDACTED] R. Ferri Motorsport [REDACTED] Ferrari Touring car racing Touring car racing is a motorsport road racing competition that uses race prepared touring cars. It has both similarities to and significant differences from stock car racing , which
TC America Series - Misplaced Pages Continue
1376-488: The manufacturers' road machine (although the roof and roof pillars do originate from the production car). In order to lower costs, the engine power is limited to 610 hp (450 kW), and transmissions, brakes and tyres (Hankook) are standard parts for all. Also, dimensions and aerodynamics are equalised. The approx. 985 kg (2,172 lb) (without driver) DTM cars corner incredibly quickly and wear spectacular bodykits incorporating huge wheel arches and diffusers, plus
1419-611: The new group. This was abandoned in 2015 and a new sporting class, NR4, was added where four-wheel drive Group N cars over 2000 cc could continue to compete within the Group R format. R4 cars were then not allowed in FIA-sanctioned rallies in Europe, but since R4 was basically a transition group for old homologated Group N, many of those could be run in NR4. In the reform of the support championships in
1462-527: The open WRC driver and co-driver championships and the manufacturers championship until 1997. Due to the nature of Group A cars being more suitable and tuned race cars they tended to dominate results. A Group N car has won a WRC rally once, a Renault 5 driven by Alain Oreille at the Rallye Côte d'Ivoire in 1989. Group N had four classes based on engine displacement cylinder capacity. N1 was for cars up to 1400 cc, N2
1505-412: The same path Mercedes-Benz did after the end of the 2018 season; focusing on electric motorsport, most notably Formula E . This will leave BMW as the sole manufacturer left, putting the series' future in serious jeopardy. Germany Since 1997, and nowadays still on the over 20 kilometres (12 mi) long famous old Nürburgring and other circuits worldwide, in average over 150 touring cars compete in
1548-444: The series has grown, major international motorsport organisations have become involved such as Team Penske , Andretti Autosport , United Autosports and Triple Eight Race Engineering . Both Ford and Holden financially and technically supported their favoured teams and took an active role in promotion of the series from its beginning, but began to wind back and ultimately withdraw their financial commitments approximately in line with
1591-401: The series' revival in 2000. Engine power was increased from ~500 hp to 610 hp, with an extra 30 hp available as part of a push-to-pass system available to drivers for the first time. Downforce levels were also reduced to encourage overtaking and increase top speeds to 300 km/h (186 mph) in order to improve the racing spectacle. In 2019, DTM formed a partnership with
1634-561: The trend of recent FIA rules, cost control is a major theme in the technical regulation. In 2011 the rules concerning the engine capacity have changed, switching from 2000 cc to 1600 cc turbo engines. Cars equipped with the old 2000 cc engines are still eligible in the championship. Many technologies that have featured in production cars are not allowed, for example: variable valve timing, variable intake geometry, ABS braking and traction control . United Kingdom The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) currently competes at nine circuits in
1677-560: The two vehicle types. The series incorporates the world famous Bathurst 1000 race as a championship round. Because of the longer distance, regulations require two drivers per car for this race. This also applies to The Bend 500 & the Gold Coast 600 . These events make up the Pirtek Enduro Cup , which is a championship-within-a-championship where the driver combination with most points collected over these three endurance races wins
1720-498: Was 1401-1600 cc, N3 was 1601-2000 cc and N4 was over 2000cc. Cars fitted with a turbo had their displacement capacity multiplied by 1.7 to determine class. Only N4 class cars remain homologated as of November 2021 as the other classes had been phased out in FIA competition. The Production World Rally Championship was run under Group N rules between 1987 and 2012. Popular cars used were often based on turbocharged , four wheel drive versions of standard consumer production cars such as
1763-534: Was banned from 1987). It was not until 1997 that the World Rally Car formula was introduced and other specific formulae were introduced in later years. Both group N and A, and the details of their differences, are described in the FIAs International Sporting Code and several of its appendices. To qualify for homologation a minimum of 2500 cars of the competing model have to be produced in
TC America Series - Misplaced Pages Continue
1806-447: Was replaced by a privately funded Aston Martin Vantage program that did not last beyond the 2019 season. For the 2019 season, major technical changes occurred. Turbochargers were reintroduced in accordance with new regulations impacting engines and power outputs, as all cars are now required to have 2.0-litre 4-cylinder single turbo engines, replacing the 4.0L V8s that had been used since
1849-464: Was the best touring car championship in the world, and many champions of that era now race in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). Between 2002 and 2006 the BTCC ran its own Touring class with Super Production/Super 2000 cars making up the numbers; the Touring class was phased out (only privateers are eligible to run old Touring cars) with the intention of a pure Super 2000 series. The introduction of
#338661