What is a V8 Supercar???
by Phillip Whelan
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What is a V8 Supercar??? by Phillip Whelan |
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The V8 Supercar may look very much the same as your average Holden Commodore of Ford Falcon, appearance however is about all the two types have in common.
The V8 Supercar is specially built by the respective teams, and looks almost empty inside. No carpets, air-conditioning or creature comforts here, everything is for speed and safety.
The Interior - Has a massive steel roll cage that extends through the body to the four-wheel arches.
The Driver - Has a custom-made seat and steering column to suit his driving position. Special brake, clutch and accelerator pedals are mounted onto the bottom of the roll cage.
The Engine - Is a modified version of the Ford 5-litre V8 in the Falcon or in the case of the Commodore a Chevrolet V8. These engines have rev-limiters that prevent the driver from exceeding 7,500 rpm. (Restrictions prevent the use of longer inlet and exhaust ports.)
The Gearbox - In both cars a custom built six speed unit designed and built in Victoria by transmission specialist Peter Hollinger. These transmissions have been designed to with stand the enormous power and torque developed by the race engines.
The Suspension Systems - Are modified and fully adjustable being mounted directly to the roll cage.
The Brake Systems and Wheels - Huge brake and special racing pads fitted; along with magnesium alloy wheels to take the wide racing tyres.
The Fuel Tank - Is a fuel cell packed with special foam to prevent spillage and to stop surging.