Ascari KZ1
Encyclopedia
Modifications
FIA GT3 European Championship
The FIA GT3 European Championship is a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . It is a championship derived from the international FIA GT1 World Championship, but meant to provide competition for more...
as well as other smaller national series which run a similar formula. These cars, known as the KZ1-R,are similar to the KZ1, but vastly improved. The most obvious differences between the KZ1 and KZ1-R lie on the exterior of the car. Tuned for racing, the KZ1-R is still a pure road car in every right, but with the invigoration of a GT3 racer. The front lip spoiler has been updated with a pronounced splitter for increased down-force. Also unlike the KZ1, the race version features a larged fixed racing wing, in place of the small spoiler. The headlights have been stripped down to the essentials, with HID bulbs and turn signals, losing the silver and crystallized look of the KZ1. The rear fenders of the car have also been increased slightly to house the larger wheelbase. The wheels are forged aluminum alloy, to further reduce curb weight. The interior of the car has been completely stripped. Power windows and seating have been removed. Fine leather is replaced by alcantara, cloth, and carbon fiber racing seats. Much of the interior is made of carbon fiber, and what isn't is either plastic or aluminum. Replacing these creature comforts is and integral roll cage, which adds rigidity to the car's body during races. The KZ1-R is stripped its luxury but not without a benefit. Curb weight is reduced to an astounding 1250 kg, which is helped by its carbon fiber monocoque chassis and body shell. Ascari plans to only produce 50 specimens of the KZ1-R model.
Engine
The KZ1-R uses the same mid-mounted, naturally aspirated BMW S62 90 degree V8, but it has been tuned for a total of 520 bhp at 7000 rpm. Displacement stays the same at 4941 cc (301.5 in3), with torque at 550 newton metre at 4500 rpm. This allows the KZ1-R to produce an astonishing 416 bhp per ton. The dry-sump S62 uses variable valve timing, dual camshafts, and four valves per cylinder to produce its astonishing numbers.Chassis
The KZ1-R uses a six-speed manual gearbox with a standard clutch and shift-lever, mounted to a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a tubular steel rear frame. Both front and rear suspension are double-wishbone with coil over dampers, mated to anti-roll bars for stability. The wheels are 19 inch(483mm)forged aluminum racing wheels mounted to 305/30x19 tires in the rear and 235/35x19 tires in the front. The front brakes are cross-drilled and vented with 6-piston racing-type calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear brakes. Fortunately, the KZ1-R retains power steering, a feature that is sometimes absent from race cars.| Gear | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Final Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratio | 2.875:1 | 1.773:1 | 1.267:1 | 1.000:1 | 0.833:1 | 0.621:1 | 3.70:1 |