Cars GlobalMag October 2013

VICTOR
SHAPOVALOV
“Motorsport has always been important for LADA –
says Victor Shapovalov, LADA Sport Team Principal –
as a way to promote the brand. WTCC gives the best
opportunities to do that - races worldwide, large TVaudience,
many spectators at the racetracks.
The decision to get back to WTCC was made in 2012.
We took part in two rounds in Hungary and Portugal
with James at the wheel of a LADA Granta. It was a kind
of test - to see where we were, what position we took
among other participants. The car showed really impressive
time. And we felt strong enough to participate
in all races of the 2013 season. As for me personally,
getting back to the Championship was a great challenge.
We had a new Granta model, which was improved
significantly comparing to the LADA Priora (our car in
WTCC-2009). The racing car was developed vastly in
many areas: aerodynamics, engine, speed, driveability.
Compared to 2009, we now have a much more competitive
race car. LADA Granta Sport was designed and
built in Russia. In France the car underwent the final
assembly stage. The engine was also installed in France
at our technical base.
To summarize the first 10 rounds of the season – continues
Shapovalov – I can conclude that the team has
made steady progress in terms of the car’s speed and
reliability. We have had many Top 6 finishes (5th in
Moscow, 6th in Porto – 2 times – 6th in Suzuka) and
fastest warm-up times in both Austria and Russia.
These results can’t be down to luck alone – it’s the result
of hard work from the engineers, mechanics and
drivers. I am delighted that we have showed that the
team and the car are able to fight in the top five with the
strongest teams competing on the world stage. We are
feeling optimistic about the future. But when you are
getting stronger in the championship of such a high
level, it’s getting more difficult. The level of the leaders
is very high and that sets a certain standard. We are ready
for more persistent work and our optimistic results
make our ambitions grow higher. We are ready to fight
for the podium this year and I hope that our perfect
teamwork will bring the results.”
LADA GRANTA
WTCC 2013
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Body
Type of body sedan, with in-welded safety body shell
Number of doors 4
Weight and dimensions
Length (mm) 4260
Width (mm) 1809
Wheelbase (mm) 2562
Minimum weight (kg) 1140
Engine
Engine type Global Engine, LADA
Displacement volume (l) 1.6
Top power (HP @ rpm) 320
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) 440 / 3500-4000
Bore (mm) 83.05
Stroke (mm) 73.7
Compression ratio 12.5
Controlling system Magneti Marelli
Transmission
Transmission Front-wheel drive
Gearbox “Hewland”;
6-speed, cam, sequential gearbox
Clutch 2 disc carbon clutch “AP Racing”
Wheel differential increased friction
Shassis
Front and rear suspension McPherson, cylindrical springs,
KW adjustable gas shock absorbers;
adjustable stabilizer
Steering Hydro power steering
Brake system
Brake system Dual, without a booster,
with adjustable brake “front/rear” effort
Front brake caliper 4-piston, “AP Racing”
Front brake discs Ventilated, 343 mm in diameter
Rear brake caliper 2-piston, “AP Racing”
Rear brake discs Ventilated, 280mm in diameter
Wheels
Wheel discs All aluminium, forged
Dimensions 9Jx17
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