ECO Rally Acropolis: TOP 5 WRC Hybrid Racing Secrets

2022 marks the year when the WRC moves into its new hybrid era. Top-of-the-line race cars now follow Rally1 specifications, with the most notable change being the incorporation of hybrid technology.

These are the TOP 5 secrets of WRC Rally1 hybrid racing cars.

1. The basic engine remains the same as that which powered the race cars in previous years. It’s a 1,600cc turbocharged petrol engine. The hybrid power unit is the same for all groupsets and adds a ‘power boost’ of 136 hp (100 kW), allowing the maximum output to increase immediately to around 530 hp.
2. Weighing 95 kg, the hybrid system is liquid and air-cooled and housed in an extremely robust housing to withstand both impact and g-forces generated in the event of a crash.
3. The system stores the energy generated during braking in a 3.9 kWh battery and can use an electric motor to get an extra boost of around three seconds on special courses.
4. Rally1 class cars are still all-wheel drive but without a center differential, while the standard gearbox is now 5-speed, with simplified technology for lower cost.
5. Rally1s can only be operated electrically, eg when crossing residential areas on the individual routes as well as within the service park. The battery is charged on external chargers during service, while a full charge takes approximately 25 minutes.

Sportish lives the legendary EKO Acropolis Rally together with EKO, the largest Greek marketing company in its category and a main sponsor of the event and also the “EKO Super Special Stage” in OAKA.