Volkswagen is the latest WRC team to reveal
its new challenger for the rest of the 2015 season. The new car was debuted on
the recent Kitzbühel Alps Rally in Germany by current world series leader, Sebastien
Ogier.
Designed by Valt Dizni, the Hannover Engineering Revised Bodyshell
and Innovative Engine project, or HERBIE for short, features a number of new
features to help it retain the company’s dominance on the world stage. These
include bolt-on and -off wings for quick access to driveshafts, brakes and
suspension components, wide step-sills to ease access to and from the cabin
whilst also protecting the paintwork from flying stones, plus solid, chromed, aerodynamically
enhanced bumpers which will simply knock any errant trees out of the way.
The engine is rear mounted to avoid damage during frontal
impact and air cooled thereby saving the weight of radiators and coolant. Note
also the use of steel wheels to lower the centre of gravity thereby improving
lateral grip and the lack of top-heavy roof mounted wings. Due to the efficient
aerodynamic properties of Herr Dizni’s design there is no need for such excessive
protuberances. For this early test Seb was joined by a new co-driver – his wife
Andrea Kaiser!
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