Formula
Hayabusa: New Suzuki Combination-Tech Racing Car
|
Suzuki
Motorcycle + Suzuki Car = Formula Hayabusa |
-Eric
Bewley |
BREA, CA. –The new Formula Hayabusa
is an excellent example of Suzuki's advanced automotive and motorcycle engineering, and
the firm's ability to build affordable high-performance products. It's easy to see this
sleek, winged, open-wheel racing car, designed for a new Japanese one-make competition
series, has four tires and a steering wheel, but its rear-engined heart was transplanted
from the most awesome street motorcycle ever built by Suzuki, the GSX1300R Hayabusa.
The state-of-the-art Hayabusa power plant boasts a 1300cc
displacement that spins up to a strong 11,000 rpm. The racing machine has 175 horsepower
at 9,800 rpm, generated with the help of double overhead cams, 16 valves, an 11:1
compression ratio, liquid-cooling and electronic fuel injection. That power, having to
propel just 948 pounds of racing car, is channeled through a smooth shifting six-speed
sequential transmission.
| Introduced in 1999, the Suzuki Hayabusa shattered
superbike performance records and established itself as the quickest mass-produced street
machine in history. The motorcycle was named after an indigenous Japanese falcon, capable
of speeds up to 186 mph in a dive. The Suzuki proved capable of even more. Top magazines
radar-gunned the Hayabusa at 194 mph, and clocked it in the 10-second range through the
quarter-mile. The Suzuki's raw power and slippery, wind-tunnel-crafted bodywork placed it
on top of the motorcycle performance mountain and generated a cult following in the
two-wheeled world. |
|
The four-wheel Formula Hayabusa mounts that monster
engine in a steel space frame crafted by Suzuki Sport. Founded by one of Japan's most
heroic racing drivers, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima, Suzuki Sport is best known for
its wild Pikes Peak-winning hill climb cars. And the Formula Hayabusa shares the bold red,
white and black Suzuki Sport livery made famous on the high mountains of Colorado.
Like the motorcycle, the Formula Hayabusa was built with aerodynamic
efficiency in mind. Hidden, in-board suspension reduces drag, as does the
wind-tunnel-designed body. The front and rear wings adjust to suit track conditions.
|
Besides the motorcycle-sourced engine, many other
Formula Hayabusa components come from the two-wheeler. The electronic engine management
system, exhaust manifold, muffler, radiator, rear-view mirrors and instrument panel all
come from the bike. The shock absorbers and springs were lifted from another Suzuki
motorcycle, the Katana GSX750F. |
Suzuki's auto division also supplies parts for the
Formula Hayabusa. The fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator and clutch master cylinder are
from the Grand Vitara sport-utility vehicle. The air-cleaner element comes from the Esteem
sedan.Suzuki mini vehicles sold in Japan supply the brake assemblies, knuckles, hubs,
steering rod end, battery and fuel pumps.
Utilizing these sourced components helps ensure reliability and
quality. And it provides the Formula Hayabusa with perhaps its most significant advantage:
cost. Mass-produced pieces for regular cars and bikes are far less expensive than special,
limited-production racing parts.
With the Formula Hayabusa, Suzuki continues its tradition in
innovation, turning a two-wheel motorcycle into a four-wheel, high performance racing
machine.
| Formula Hayabusa Specifics |
| Transmission |
6 speed sequential |
| Dimensions |
Overall length |
159.4 in. |
|
Overall width |
66.1 in. |
|
Overall height |
43.3 in. |
|
Wheelbase |
91.3 in. |
|
Tread (F/R) |
59.1 / 56.3 in. |
|
Ground clearance |
2.0 in. |
| Weight |
Curb weight |
948 lbs. / 430 kg. |
| Chassis |
Brake (F) |
Ventilated disk |
|
Brake ( R) |
Disk |
|
Front suspension |
Double wishbone |
|
Rear suspension |
Double wishbone |
|
Tire size (F) |
185/50 VR 13 |
|
Tire size ( R) |
240/45 VR 13 |
| Engine |
Engine type |
W701 (1,299cc) |
|
Valve arrangement |
DOHC-16 valve TSCC |
|
Bore x Stroke |
3.19 in. x 2.48 in. |
|
Compression ratio |
11.0 : 1 |
|
Max. Power |
175 HP / 9,800 rpm |
|
Max. Torque |
102 lb. ft. / 7,000 rpm |
| Capacity |
Occupant |
1 |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
6.6 gal. |
 ZW
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