Rallycross's SuperCar Lites platform to be 'recycled' into next-gen racer
While sustainability has been a hot topic in motorsport in recent seasons, the conversation has almost always centered around fuels and other consumables. Now one racing car manufacturer is set to revolutionize motorsport’s approach to sustainability by introducing a recycling initiative to update its longest-serving product.
Introduced by Olsbergs MSE for the 2013 Global Rallycross series in the U.S. before joining the World Rallycross bill the following season, the SuperCar Lites platform has been the vehicle of choice for second-tier feeder championships in rallycross across the world. While replaced on the World RX bill with the all-electric RX2e machine in 2021, it is still in use in RallyX Nordic and Nitrocross’ NEXT category in America, and is a regular feature at the annual Race of Champions.
Now, what will effectively be a second generation Lites car is on the way. Produced by FirstCorner – a joint venture helmed by OMSE that previously produced Nitrocross’ FC1-X – the new FC2 concept will recycle and update the existing Lites car, to provide an additional rung on the off-road and rallycross training ladder.
The conversion will include a new composite body, reinforced wishbones and suspension attachment points, as well as a 40mm increase in suspension travel thanks to upgraded dampers all round. There will also be steering improvements, and a bump in horsepower from around 310 bhp to 550bhp, thanks to a new turbocharged four cylinder engine running on entirely fossil-free fuel.
While the engine is changing, the six-speed SADEV transmission will remain, albeit with upgrades to its hydraulic gear selection and software, as well as a revised clutch to handle the increased horsepower and torque, which has risen from 300 Nm to over 700 Nm.
The boost in performance will enable the FC2 to compete in ‘Supercar’ classes, the highest level of combustion rallycross, providing a cost-effective way to transition from the existing Lites category to the highest levels of rallycross and other off-road racing disciplines.
Of an estimated 55 Lites cars currently competing globally, 24 are set to be eligible for the conversion, with the cost for the work estimated at €75,000. However, that cost can be reduced by around 30 percent to around €50,000 by returning surplus parts that will be made available to those continuing to race the original SuperCar Lites platform.
The FC2 conversion will officially go on sale next month, around the same time an intensive three-month testing program will commence in the U.S. The deliveries of the first 12 kits are expected in April-May of next year.
For more information: www.racer.com
