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Triple Eight rally campaign |
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Monday, 11 December 2006 |
 Triple Eight Race Engineering (Triple Eight) today announced plans to develop the business into the sport of rallying with the launch of a turbo diesel powered Vauxhall Astra, the Astra RallyD.
Based on the FIA homologated Astra Sport Hatch 1.9 CDTi, the RallyD is designed to Group N regulations with a 200hp – 440Nm diesel powered engine. The project has the support of both Vauxhall and Opel and, in line with their environmental considerations the RallyD is very fuel-efficient and fitted with an exhaust particle filter to keep emissions low.
The first two RallyDs are currently being built at Triple Eight’s
Banbury headquarters for the launch partner Thurlby Motors who is also
helping the development process. The 2007 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British
Rally Championship has launched the new Diesel Cup last month for which
the RallyD is eligible.
Commenting on the launch, Triple Eight Managing Director, Ian Harrison said:
“This is an extremely exciting new venture for us at a time when
rallying, and alternative fuelled Motorsport in general, is showing
strong growth. We have a proven heritage in designing, building and
racing winning cars and it is this experience that we are now applying
to the world of rallying.”
Stuart Harris of Vauxhall Motors added:
"Whilst not a works Vauxhall programme, we fully support this
independent venture into Rallying with the Astra Sport Hatch Diesel at
an exciting time for Diesel and alternative fuel vehicles"
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