RX Renault 5 Maxi Turbo 4X4 – Gérard Roussel

Published on: Jan 17, 2016 @ 20:38
Originally Published in: 2015 (old website)
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Renault 5 Turbo Maxi RX 4WD – Gérard Roussel

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HISTORY
SPECIFICATIONS
VIDEOS
REFERENCES

HISTORY

The world of rallycross has always been very competitive and with the lower budget privateer teams it was necessary to be ingenious. Since the rules were very loose in rallycross, many competitors tried everything to gain an edge, including converting their cars to four wheel drive before it even became the norm in Group B and rallying. However, those systems were often unreliable contraptions using a myriad of different parts hastily slapped together.

The mass introduction of Group B cars into rallycross meant that four wheel drive became a necessity for those who didn’t have it and whom wanted to remain on top. One of these “underdogs” was Gérard Roussel with the conversion of his rear wheel drive Renault 5 Maxi Turbo.

The Renault 5 Turbo never came factory with four wheel drive, not even with the famed Group B Maxi Turbo version, but this would not stop Gérard Roussel’s team with their rallycross car. To achieve this feat, a four wheel system taken from the Volkswagen Beetle Baja 4×4 beach buggy was skillfully mated to the Renault’s C7K engine and to the R5 Turbo’s chassis.

Due to some issues, the “homemade” 4WD system was later modified with a Peugeot 505 limited-slip front differential for increased traction and reliability. Furthermore, as it was often the case with limited budget teams, some compromises were made by using cheaper parts from the lesser homologation variant of the car.

Still, even though the car was a bit under-powered compared to its rivals, Roussel performed brilliantly in the French Rallycross Championship and steered the frankensteined R5 Turbo to frequent podium finishes, even clinching the 1987 championship.

FRXC results:

1986 – 3rd
1987 – 1st
1988 – 4th
1989 – 5th

SPECIFICATIONS

Group/Class	Formula A / Division 2	French Championships: 1 (1987)
Years active	1986~1989
Engine
Type	C7K, I-4, OHV 8v, gas	located rear longitudinally vertical, in front of rear axle
Displacement	1527 cc

Compression ratio	6.9:1
Output power – torque	370 HP @ 7,000 rpm	– @ – rpm

Materials	block: cast iron	cylinder head: aluminium alloy

Aspiration	Garrett T31 turbocharger air/air intercooler Kugelfischer mechanical multi-point fuel injection DPV anti-lag system		Boost: ~46 psi
Ignition	electronic, firing order 1-3-4-2
Cooling system	water-cooled
Lubrication system	dry sump
Transmission
Type	four wheel drive	VW – 5 speed manual
Gearbox ratios		1st: 3.250 2nd: 2.235 3rd: 1.619 4th: 1.260 5th: 1.035 R: 3.182
Differential ratio	4.111	spiral bevel gears 40% limited slip rear differential
Clutch	dry – double plate

Chassis-body
Type	steel monocoque Type 8220 with roll-cage. 3 door hatchback steel/aluminium/polypropylene bodyshell with aluminium doors, polypropylene front and rear bonnets, polyester front and rear bumpers covers
Front suspension	double wishbones with lower longitudinal torsion bars connected to lower wishbone, gas shock absorbers and anti roll bar
Rear suspension	double wishbones with coil springs, gas shock absorbers and anti roll bar
Steering system	rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance	13.22:1
Brakes	FRONT: ventilated disks with 4 piston calipers REAR: ventilated disks with 4 piston calipers		dual circuit with servo, adjustable ratio split front to rear
Dimensions
length: 3700 mm (145.7 in)		width: 1769 mm (69.6 in)	height: 1320 mm (52.0 in)
wheelbase: 2430 mm (95.7 in)		front track: 1390 mm (54.7 in)	rear track: 1490 mm (58.7 in)
Rims – tires	16 inch	22/64 16 Michelin
Dry/Unladen Weight	925 kg (2040 lb) bias: F40/R60%
Weight/power	2.5 kg/HP (5.5 lb/HP)
Fuel tank	25 liters
Drag coefficient	0.44