Toyota Cerumo Exiv JTCC

Starting from 1994, the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) was competed under FIA (Federation Internationale de l"Automobile) Class-II race regulations. This is an international classification standardized by the FIA, for normally aspirated 2 liter 4 door sedan automobiles. The strict limitations imposed on engine and chassis modifications allow the spectators to enjoy watching competition of near-to-stock racing cars. In 1995, the JTCC regulation was slightly changed, and the use of non-stock aerodynamic components, such as front and rear spoilers, were permitted to some extent. In vying for the title, Toyota entered their Exiv for the 1995 season. Toyota"s latest racing technologies were fully packed in this low and sleek racer. The front transversely mounted, 4-cylinder 1998cc powerplant was tuned to yield 290 plus horsepower. The X-Trac developed, sequential 6-speed transmission was mated to this powerful engine. The standard strut suspension system was totally re-fabricated using hi-tech materials with a refined geometry alignment setup. The chassis ride-height was lowered to a minimum of ground clearance, giving the car an aggressive look. A total of seven Exiv"s were entered from 5 different racing teams for the 1995 season. Among them, the team Toyota Cerumo used two highly skilled drivers, T. Kristensen and H. Mitsusada. Kristensen won two consecutive victories at the 1st and 2nd rounds of the season.