MCA Suspension Nissan Silvia ready for WTAC

Teams from Australia will try to eclipse entrants from Japan, New Zealand, great Britain and the USA. One of the leading Australian competitors is expected to be the Hankook-supported MCA Suspension Nissan Silvia from Queensland, managed by Murray and Joshua Coote. After finishing 10th in last year's event the Silvia, driven by Superleague Formula driver Earl Bamber, has undergone a thorough upgrade.

"There have definitely been some big changes to the aero and suspension, which we are sure will make the car more competitive than last year," Joshua said.

Indicative of the increased aero being added to WTAC cars, the front end of the MCA Suspension Silvia has been given a new diffuser, while the rear gains a double diffuser with two gradients, allowing it to function at a wider range of speeds. The body has also been lightened, with custom doors and plastic windows.

The engine gains 60kW and now makes over 470kW at the rear wheels, while the package will be slowed down with bigger brakes. MCA's suspension expertise has seen it replace the original MacPherson strut front suspension with a purpose-designed double-wishbone coilover set-up, while the rear suspension gets a custom cross member.

Joshua Coote says the changes, combined with more development time at the track, will allow the Silvia to better exploit the grip of the Hankook Ventus TD tyres.

"Last year we only had one test day before we arrived at Time Attack but we've had more time to set the car up for 2012," Joshua said. "We've been very happy with the tyres; they've had good life and we've continued using the ones from last year for testing purposes."

The official launch of WTAC 2012 will take place tonight, August 2 from 7:00PM at Westfield Parramtta's centre court, where a number of competing cars will be on display.

The World Time Attack Challenge will run from 10 to 11 August at Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek).