Swedish teams reveal hybrid car concept for 2012

Four of the biggest racing teams in Sweden has created a team organization called TTA – Touring Car Team Association.
“We are united and we have started an organisation for teams racing at top level. This is an important step forward for the racing in Sweden,” said Jan “Flash” Nilsson, TTA representative and Flash Engineering MD.

The teams revealed specifications for a new car for 2012 at a press conference in Gothenburg today. The car has been produced in co-operation with French motorsport company Solution-F, the company responsible for the Race of Champions cars.

“Solution-F has got a vast experience of producing tailor made solutions for motorsport. They are working closely with a number of car manufacturers and Formula One teams with everything from producing engines and dampers to electronics and chassis. Our co-operation with them is extremely rewarding and we have developed a new type of racing car that meets the demands of the spectators of today, an audience that is more and more aware of the environmental and sporting values. We are also working actively with SBF [Swedish Motorsport Federation] to adjust the car to nordic regulations,” said Tobias Johansson, TTA representative and Brovallen Design MD.

The car, which is of silhouette specification, features a 3.5 litre V6 engine that combined with a KERS hybrid system, similar to the system currently used in Formula One, that produces approximately 400 BHP.

“We are using the latest technology for hybrid engines, technology that is identical with the KERS system used in Formula One. This enables us to illuminate and push forward the important development of environmental technology for the cars of today, both in the form of entertaining racing as well as for everyday traffic,” said Tobias Johansson.

The teams have been fighting for a while to get the Solution-F car instead of the by STCC AB proposed NGTC cars for 2012.

“Our cars are faster than the racing cars of today and we have adjusted the running costs to a level suitable for the nordic conditions. We are going to equip the TTA cars with the latest safety technology, for example the new and groundbreaking FIA safety seat. We are also going to implement a new system to promote overtaking, similar to the DRS system in Formula One, all this in order to create safer and better racing,” said Dick Jönsson-Wigroth, TTA representative and WestCoast Racing MD.

One of the major points for TTA with the new car is the ability to scrap all forms of dispensations, penalty weights and different types engine specification and more.

“With our car the best team and the best driver is going to win. No-one is going to win because they get the best dispensations, turbo pressure and more. Our main focus is to create true sporting values for racing. We want to be able to congratulate each other after the races because the winner has done the best job, not because they have had the lowest weight or a new dispensation,” said Jan “Flash” Nilsson.

The first test of the new cars is scheduled to the 22nd of June in France. 20 cars are ordered and will be delivered ahead of the season.

TTA and Polestar Racing also revealed that they have bought a majority part of the Gothenburg City Race Arena, the very track STCC races at this weekend.

“The security and visions within TTA has enabled us to secure the future for further races in Gothenburg, an important piece of the puzzle in order to continue to increase popularity for motorsport in Sweden. Gothenburg City Race Arena is a popular and important track that is a good complement to the other tracks in Sweden,” said Christian Dahl, TTA representative and Polestar Racing MD.

The teams are still in negotiation with STCC AB ahead of 2012 while a breakaway series is still considered.

“We have got a positive dialogue with STCC about the future. But we are going to continue work on our concept and we will see after the negotiations where we stand,” said Jan “Flash” Nilsson.

TTA is going to publish further information in the coming weeks at http://www.ttagroup.se.