1995 World Rally champion Colin McRae chose the 2006 Goodwood
Festival of Speed to unveil the McRae R4.
The McRae R4 was designed for use in rallying, rally cross,
circuit racing and ice racing events. And possibly in a one-make
race series.
The R4 was conceived at the beginning of 2005. The intention
was to create a car capable of thrilling the spectators as much
as the driver. The team aims to make the R4 a cheaper alternative
to WRCs (World Rally Cars) with significantly lower running
costs. Although with an estimated base price of $240,000 it's
far from cheap.
Designed by Colin McRae and Dave Plant and built by DJM Race
Preparation, the McRae R4’s chassis is based on a steel
safety cage with carbon paneling front and rear, and a steel-covered
cockpit area. Suspension consists of twin wishbones with Proflex
dampers. The body styling has been done by Keith Burden and
Tom Webster.
The engine is a normally-aspirated 4 cylinder,
2.5 litre Millington Diamond Engine producing 350 BHP. Transmission
is via a six-speed gearbox, manual or semi-auto, and by mechanical
front and rear differentials with the option of mechanical or
active central differential. The car can be produced in either
2 or 4 wheel drive formats.
UPDATED - After the death of Colin McRae in 2007 in a helicopter
crash the McRae R4 project has stalled. Hopefully it's just
a pause.
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