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"Nearly
1,000 horsepower from a 2.2-liter engine." No, that's not a typo. That's
the output of this special Ecotec engine. Yes, that's the same engine that powers
the Chevrolet Cavalier, GM's best-selling model. No, you can't order one from
your dealer.
This special Cavalier, on display at the 2002 Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, competes in the National Hot Rod Association
(NHRA) modified class. In race trim, this four-cylinder engine is equipped with
a turbocharger and intercooler to achieve over 950 horsepower and 650 lbs.-ft.
of torque. Power is transferred to the 28 x 11.5-inch front tires via a six-speed,
sequential manual transmission.
The FWD Cavalier runs on methanol fuel and features
a full-tube frame chassis, Penske triple-adjustable front and rear shocks and
an independent rear suspension with a sophisticated rising-rate linkage to control
the car's attitude under acceleration.
It also features carbon-fiber race brakes, a safety
roll cage, six-point safety harness, a HANS device, a fire-suppression system
and an independent witness crash recorder to record safety data in the event
of an impact.
The FWD Chevrolet Cavalier's NHRA-approved full
carbon-fiber body measures 47.5-inches tall, 68.7-inches wide, and is 202-inches
long. It's finished in Tangelo Orange and Cinnamon Brown exterior paint with
white pearl flames.
This beast is piloted by Nelson Hoyos, whose 2002
racing season accomplishments include four runner-up finishes at NHRA events
in Englishtown, Houston, Dallas and Woodburn. He also ran a career-best elapsed
time of 8.415 seconds in Dallas, where he ran in the quickest side-by-side FWD
race, and ran a career-best speed of 175.16 mph in Houston.
SEMA participants are invited to attend a technical
seminar on how to build a 1,000-horsepower Ecotec engine with parts developed
by GM Racing. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 8 a.m. until
9 a.m. in room n223-224.
CHEVROLET CAVALIER FWD DRAG RACER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ecotec 2.2L I-4
- 950-plus horsepower
- 650 lbs.-ft. torque
- Six-speed sequential manual transmission
- Methanol fuel
- Full tube frame chassis
- Penske triple adjustable front and rear shocks
- Independent rear suspension
- 2001 NHRA-approved full carbon fiber body
- Carbon-fiber race brakes
- Safety roll cage and six-point harness belts
and HANS device
- Fire-suppression system and independent witness
crash recorder
- 28 x 11.5-inch front drag race tires
- 25 x 4.5-inch rear drag tires
- Tangelo Orange and Cinnamon Brown with white
pearl flames
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