Suzuki Swift AP4
Emma Gilmour / Ben Searcy
2019 Rally Otago New Zealand
Retired SS2 due mechanical problems
The 'AP4' class of rally car (For the Australia/Pacific Rally Championship) is similar to the European Rally2 cars - only they are more cost effective. The engine/turbo package is only about 25% the cost of a Rally2 car. Many of the other components are simpler and stronger - but also heavier. The result is similar in outright performance - although the AP4 may be slightly more powerful it is offset by the slight weight penalty.
Also, if a team/driver runs a Rally2 car (usually based on a European model such as a Skoda, Citroen or Ford) in Australia/New Zealand - and around the Pacific - the car is a long way from source components in Europe. So the AP4 cars have evolved to be more reliable and durable, and of course cheaper to run - something their popularity proves.
Suzuki Swift AP4
Emma Gilmour / Ben Searcy
2019 Rally Otago New Zealand
Retired SS2 due mechanical problems
The 'AP4' class of rally car (For the Australia/Pacific Rally Championship) is similar to the European Rally2 cars - only they are more cost effective. The engine/turbo package is only about 25% the cost of a Rally2 car. Many of the other components are simpler and stronger - but also heavier. The result is similar in outright performance - although the AP4 may be slightly more powerful it is offset by the slight weight penalty.
Also, if a team/driver runs a Rally2 car (usually based on a European model such as a Skoda, Citroen or Ford) in Australia/New Zealand - and around the Pacific - the car is a long way from source components in Europe. So the AP4 cars have evolved to be more reliable and durable, and of course cheaper to run - something their popularity proves.