Subaru to switch to Ohlins in 2009

[RallySport Mag]

Hi guys,

Not sure if you had picked up on this news yet.

http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3043&Itemid=2

Cheers
Peter
www.rallysportmag.com.au (http://www.rallysportmag.com.au)

[N.O.T]

Great !!!! i am happy that subaru found the origin of their performance issues and will be champions once more !!!!!!

[MJW]

Great !!!! i am happy that subaru found the origin of their performance issues and will be champions once more !!!!!!
Sure it hasn't been the only issue (there one about the flexing shell & having the radiator almost flat (great for Argentinian watersplashes etc when the F1 guys were in charge) but I definately think the BOS dampers are a significant factor. BOS for those who dont know are a company who were very good in making dampers for mountain bikes and wanted to get into motorsport. This was how they came involved with SWRT.

[J4MIE]

Not sure if you had picked up on this news yet.

Please can you post some news, rather than just a link to your website.

[Mirek]

MJW: I think it was a kind of sarcasm from N.O.T. ;)

[koko0703]

I'm really optimistic about switching dampers dramatically improves the performance. Before actually seeing the improved performance, the only thing I'm happy about the news, if true, is the fact that Subaru hasn't given up on WRC yet.

[grugsticles]

I'm really optimistic about switching dampers dramatically improves the performance. Before actually seeing the improved performance, the only thing I'm happy about the news, if true, is the fact that Subaru hasn't given up on WRC yet.
I have the same opinion.
If the dampers are the major issue then this move can only be a good thing. Hell, not that ive really kept an eye on who uses what products, but Ohlins is a brand that ive seen around the traps. From that I can only conclude that they make a good product that works well.

I am relieved that FHI dont seem to be giving up on rallying just yet.

[Halvis]

I have the same opinion.
If the dampers are the major issue then this move can only be a good thing. Hell, not that ive really kept an eye on who uses what products, but Ohlins is a brand that ive seen around the traps. From that I can only conclude that they make a good product that works well.

I am relieved that FHI dont seem to be giving up on rallying just yet.

I believe Mads Østberg uses Ohlins - and especially in Sweden gave the Subaru works cars something to think about, wasn't he faster than both those cars on several stages?

[Viking]

I believe Mads Østberg uses Ohlins - and especially in Sweden gave the Subaru works cars something to think about, wasn't he faster than both those cars on several stages?

Østberg uses Reiger dampers.

[Viking]

Mitsubishi and Toyota used Öhlins in WRC and a lot of Gr.N cars use them.

[COD]

Mitsubishi and Toyota used Öhlins in WRC and a lot of Gr.N cars use them.

But what I have heard is that they have fallen back a bit in development in recent years. I hope this gives them also a boost back to the top. I think Reiger and Tein are the the top dampers in Gr.N nowdays

[Saabaru]

I hope this helps but I am afraid this is only part of the problem. The cars geometry seems to off, here in the U.S. the cars are having a hard time getting over yumps and jumps. Every time the wheels leave the ground the cars take a hard nosedive. Maybe they need to ditch the wagon and use a sedan again.

[grugsticles]

I hope this helps but I am afraid this is only part of the problem. The cars geometry seems to off, here in the U.S. the cars are having a hard time getting over yumps and jumps. Every time the wheels leave the ground the cars take a hard nosedive. Maybe they need to ditch the wagon and use a sedan again.
Lack of rear downforce from the Group N rear spoiler. Im sure the WRC one is far superior cosiddering all teams seem to have the same basic design.

[Saabaru]

Lack of rear downforce from the Group N rear spoiler. Im sure the WRC one is far superior cosiddering all teams seem to have the same basic design.
No doubt that would help as long as your going fast enough to provide the down force. But the old impreza doesn't nosedive like that so there is more to the problem than the absence of a rear wing.

[Halvis]

Lack of rear downforce from the Group N rear spoiler. Im sure the WRC one is far superior cosiddering all teams seem to have the same basic design.

Hmm, not sure about that. Doesn't the newest Impreza also nosedive? Seem to remember that from Finland where there are plenty of jumps.

[Torsen]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Daniel]

Nosediving is a function of weight distribution more than suspension geometry.

[Rani]

Nosediving is a function of weight distribution more than suspension geometry.
I once asked about this matter (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123516) and it seems the most logical explanation is that it mostly is an aero/driving technique matter rather than weight distribution. Otherwise how could you explain tail heavy Porsches nosediving and nose heavy Quattros landing on their tail?

[Mirek]

It may have many reasons. Quite important is engine rotation direction for transversal engines (not for Subaru), brake and throttle work of driver. Aerodynamics and weight distribution as well.

[Daniel]

Thanks for reminding me about that thread :D

[JRodrigues]

The only time the team had a BOS sponshorship was in Greece:
http://www.swrt.com/img_gallery/294501385.jpg

After:
http://www.swrt.com/img_gallery/187224565.jpg

And no BOS in technical partners page: http://www.swrt.com/partners/technical_partners.html#

[Buzz Lightyear]

Why does Pentti just not call a spade a spade!! :)

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/170587-0/airikkala_subaru_is_dead.html