Updated 20/03/00

GT-R HISTORY

EVOLUTION OF THE MAZDA 323 IN INTERNATIONAL RALLYING

THE MAZDA 323 4WD GT-R IN BRIEF

EVOLUTION OF THE MAZDA 323 IN INTERNATIONAL RALLYING

Mazda's efforts in Group-A rallying began in 1986 with the homologation of the previous-generation 323 4WD powered by the turbocharged 1,623-cc DOHC engine. The works sponsored team scored outright victories in the 1987 Swedish. 1989 Swedish and 1989 New Zealand rallies.

In 1989, Mazda launched the 323 4WD GT-X model, from which a new championship Group-A car was derived, powered by the new type BPD 1,839-cc DOHC, 16-valve turbocharged engine. The Group-A GT-X made its debut in the 1990 Rally of Thousand Lakes, in which it placed 6th overall. Mazda continued to campaign the GT-X through 1991 and into the 1992 season, until the homologation and debut of the GT-R based car powered by the "Big Turbo" DOHC 1,839-cc unit.

At that time the regulations governing International Group-A rallying as implemented by FISA were being further tightened.  The changes included a smaller air-intake restrictor (from 40mm to 38mm effective 1992), a minimum kerb weight of 1,200 kg (for the 1.8-2.0 litre class), and a maximum gravel tyre diameter of 650mm, and a maximum tarmac wheel rim width down to 9-in. (the kerb weight, tyre diameter and wheel rim width changes coming into effect in 1993)

The 323 4WD GT-R was designed and developed with these regulatory considerations in mind, and was expected to be extremely competitive as soon as it was homologated.

The Group-N category was another important rally arena. With the 323 4WD, private entrants won the 1988 and 1991 World Driver's Championships and the 1989 Manufacturers Championship  for Mazda.

GT-R Group A Rally Car

THE MAZDA 323 4WD GT-R IN BRIEF

The Mazda 323 4WD GT-R is an ultra-high-performance, evolution model of the sporty full-time 4-wheel drive hatchback series, supplementing the current GTX which continued in production. The GT-R features upgraded specifications and a distinctive , unique exterior design.

The 3-door hatchback has an overall length of 4,080 mm on a 2,450- mm wheelbase. Width is 1,690 mm with front and rear tracks of 1,430-mm and 1,435-mm respectively. It is 1,390 mm tall. The car's minimum ground clearance is 150 mm unladen, 120 mm when fully laden.

Kerb weight of the 323 4WD GT-R is 1,210 kg and 1,240 kg with optional ABS ( anti-lock brake system) and steel sunroof.

The GT-R is readily recognizable by its bold front-end design, featuring a huge lower-fascia/bumper with large air-intake opening, and twin fog lamps and a bonnet with a prominent bulge. Additionally the car has extended fender flares covering larger 15-in. aluminum wheels and low profile-tyres. A rear roof spoiler is shared with the GT-X.

The GT-R's well -appointed, fully instrumented "cockpit" is augmented by a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching gear-shift knob.

The temporary spare wheel is carried on the luggage compartment's "floor" , still accommodating 230 litres of volume (by VDA measurement), which may be increased to 415 litres by folding the 60/40 split rear seatback. The luggage compartment contains a useful "hidden compartment" normally occupied by the spare wheel.

The type BPD engine in the GT-R has been tuned to deliver 13 percent more power and 8 percent more torque over the GT-X. A larger turbo-charger and a larger intercooler have been adopted in the GT-R. The engines strengths , both power and torque characteristics, are in the mid-through-high-rpm-zone, above 3000 rpm upto its maximum allowable 6500 rpm on a 8.2:1 compression ratio, requiring premium unleaded fuel.

The engine is mated to the type G5M-R 5-speed manual transaxle with strengthened gear train , driving all four wheels via a planetary-gear center differential fitted with a viscous-coupling limited-slip device. The center differential splits torque 43 percent to the front wheels and 57 percent to the rear. The final drive incorporates a multi-plate type limited-slip differential.   

Mazda's all-independent suspension with Macpherson front struts and TTL (trapezoidal twin-link) rear struts, battle proven in the World Rally series, has been further refined with firmer bushings and specially tuned dampers. Rack and pinion steering   with a quicker overall ratio and engine-rpm-sensing power assistance is standard.

Disc brakes are used all around, the front ventilated pair  having an effective diameter of 222-mm and the solid rear rotors an effective diameter of 244-mm. The total swept area of 1,286 sq. cm is 21 percent larger than that of the GT-X model. The standard vacuum servo assist is replaced by a hydraulic servo when the optional electronically controlled 4-wheel ABS is ordered.                    

Source:Product Information  Mazda 323 4WD GT-R ; Mazda