New Car Released in 2011Today Chevrolet unveiled its new factory-backed Chevrolet for the 2011 British Touring Car Championship series. The new car is set to make its track debut next month at the first event of the 2011 BTCC season.
Although starting life as a stock Chevrolet Cruze, RML Motorsport completely overhauled the sedan and rebuilt it from the ground up to conform to BTCC standards. The Silverline Cruze sponsored gets its power from a highly-modified version of the 2.0-liter I-4 churning out 280 horsepower and 197 pound-feet of torque, redlining just north of 8500 rpm. Power is routed to the front wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission, with its highest gear allowing a top speed of 162 mph.
Each corner receives a set of 17-inch lightweight wheels wrapped in Dunlop racing slicks. Bolted behind the front wheels lies 13-inch vented rotors grabbed by 4-piston calipers, whereas 2-piston calipers take hold of 11-inch rotors in the rear. Teams can dial in the suspension to suit their needs through the car’s adjustable components.
The factory-backed Silverline team will contend a pair of cars for the 2011 season, which kicks off at the Brands Hatch track in Kent, England on April 3rd. Returning for the 2011 season, and winner of last year’s driver championship, Jason Plato will pilot one of the two Silverline cars. In total, 27 teams will compete in the 2011 BTCC season, 5 of which will be Cruzes. In addition to the two factory-backed entrants, three privateers will run Cruzes this season.
Source: Chevrolet
