Post by Mαττ on Feb 4, 2006 22:35:53 GMT -5
Friday 5th February 2006
Today, Smirnoff Holden-Motorsport have unveiled their 2006 WSRC challenger to the worlds press. The vehicle, dubbed the HSV-03 is resplendent in a vivid red and black livery which, while still representing the input of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), is different to the flame livery used for testing purposes.
Both Australian drivers Matt Finlay and Reece Byrne were on hand to unveil the car and both were extremely confident of their prospects for the 2006 season. Finlay, who is also the owner of the team, acknowledges that the task ahead is not easy. “We’re here today to reveal our 2006 car, and it is clear that the workforce have done a great job with the design and manufacture of the vehicle. We’ve tested extensively through-out the off-season in Australia and I’m confident that we’ll be on the pace come the first race of the season in Melbourne.”
The HSV-03 is powered by a 3.0L V10 built by US giant General Motors. It is the car manufacturer’s first attempt at building such an engine, but Finlay is confident that the engines will be competitive as well as reliable. The chassis, manufactured by specialist performance car manufacturer HSV is built to the 2006 WSRC standards. “The main target of the team was to build a car that had a lot of downforce, while minimising the effects of drag, and it’s the same with any chassis manufacturer. We also had to consider the dimensions of the GM engine and that has affected the styling of the rear of the car. This is our third attempt at building a car with the previous two merely being test hacks to see what we’d need to prioritise, and I’m pleased to say that the whole team have done a great job to build such an effective machine.”
As far as the livery goes, HSV have secured the overall theme, while the logos of the other sponsors have been forced to conform to the matter. This means that the red and black of HSV is the primary colour scheme, with HSV logos adorning the engine cover and nosecone. Diageo, through their Smirnoff brand have naming rights to the car and their logos appear on the sidepods and monocoque, while secondary sponsors include Hugo Boss, Riviera, Kenwood and Alpinestars. Finlay was quoted as saying, “we wanted something that was visually effective, something that people would instantly associate as being a Holden and I think we’ve achieved this.”
Suppliers for tyres and fuel are Bridgestone and Exxon Mobil. It’s been a troubled relationship with Mobil for the team as the fuel company had originally held the title sponsorship until funding issues arose forcing the team to search elsewhere. However, Mobil will remain the supplier for 2006, and remain as committed as ever to supplying top-specification fuel and lubricants. Japanese tyre manufacturing giant Bridgestone will supply the tyres Holden will use, capitalising on a long and successful partnership with car manufacturers road car program.
With the first race of the season just weeks away, Finlay acknowledges that it is a difficult road ahead, but fully expects the car and team to perform come Melbourne. “Everyone has put in such a great effort to build the three cars that we’ll take to Melbourne and we hope to reward the team with a successful race, and continue to achieve through-out the season”.
*on a serious note, i must thank zeppelin101 for the renders. the rims in the pics are his and i think they look rathe cool tbh
Today, Smirnoff Holden-Motorsport have unveiled their 2006 WSRC challenger to the worlds press. The vehicle, dubbed the HSV-03 is resplendent in a vivid red and black livery which, while still representing the input of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), is different to the flame livery used for testing purposes.
Both Australian drivers Matt Finlay and Reece Byrne were on hand to unveil the car and both were extremely confident of their prospects for the 2006 season. Finlay, who is also the owner of the team, acknowledges that the task ahead is not easy. “We’re here today to reveal our 2006 car, and it is clear that the workforce have done a great job with the design and manufacture of the vehicle. We’ve tested extensively through-out the off-season in Australia and I’m confident that we’ll be on the pace come the first race of the season in Melbourne.”
The HSV-03 is powered by a 3.0L V10 built by US giant General Motors. It is the car manufacturer’s first attempt at building such an engine, but Finlay is confident that the engines will be competitive as well as reliable. The chassis, manufactured by specialist performance car manufacturer HSV is built to the 2006 WSRC standards. “The main target of the team was to build a car that had a lot of downforce, while minimising the effects of drag, and it’s the same with any chassis manufacturer. We also had to consider the dimensions of the GM engine and that has affected the styling of the rear of the car. This is our third attempt at building a car with the previous two merely being test hacks to see what we’d need to prioritise, and I’m pleased to say that the whole team have done a great job to build such an effective machine.”
As far as the livery goes, HSV have secured the overall theme, while the logos of the other sponsors have been forced to conform to the matter. This means that the red and black of HSV is the primary colour scheme, with HSV logos adorning the engine cover and nosecone. Diageo, through their Smirnoff brand have naming rights to the car and their logos appear on the sidepods and monocoque, while secondary sponsors include Hugo Boss, Riviera, Kenwood and Alpinestars. Finlay was quoted as saying, “we wanted something that was visually effective, something that people would instantly associate as being a Holden and I think we’ve achieved this.”
Suppliers for tyres and fuel are Bridgestone and Exxon Mobil. It’s been a troubled relationship with Mobil for the team as the fuel company had originally held the title sponsorship until funding issues arose forcing the team to search elsewhere. However, Mobil will remain the supplier for 2006, and remain as committed as ever to supplying top-specification fuel and lubricants. Japanese tyre manufacturing giant Bridgestone will supply the tyres Holden will use, capitalising on a long and successful partnership with car manufacturers road car program.
With the first race of the season just weeks away, Finlay acknowledges that it is a difficult road ahead, but fully expects the car and team to perform come Melbourne. “Everyone has put in such a great effort to build the three cars that we’ll take to Melbourne and we hope to reward the team with a successful race, and continue to achieve through-out the season”.
*on a serious note, i must thank zeppelin101 for the renders. the rims in the pics are his and i think they look rathe cool tbh
I'll post an intro text for the Audi car too later today...
The mystery continues