Suzuki has just announced it will contest the new-format 2002 FIM World MotoGP
Championship with its new 4-stroke-engined GP machine.
Suzuki’s 4-stroke machine was originally planned to make a 2003 debut but
initial test results convinced the manufacturer to bring the whole schedule
forward by 12 months in time for the opening round at Suzuka in April.
The machine will be all-new, but other vital parts of the official factory
Suzuki team remain the same.
Main sponsor Telefonica MoviStar will continue its successful partnership with
Suzuki, Kenny Roberts Jr and Sete Gibernau. Other major technical sponsors
confirmed for the new 4-stroke development program include Motul and Dunlop.
The new 4-stroke engine project, code named XRE0, started in February 2000 and
phase-one targets were achieved and exceeded well ahead of schedule. The XRE0
engine was then installed in a modified RGV-r race chassis for the next stage of
development.
The XRE0 is an extremely light and compact 990cc, 60-degree, V4 configuration
engine design with a single crankshaft, gear-driven DOHC and electronic fuel
injection. Specific attention has been paid to the combustion design to obtain
maximum fuel efficiency.
Suzuki’s vast experience in designing and developing the legendary GSX-R
factory Superbike race machines has helped to accelerate the XRE0 development
program and the new engine produces exceptional low-to-mid range torque to aid
controllability, as well as the high maximum power figures required to win the
new MotoGP championship.
Much of the technology used to create the chassis of the year 2000 World 500cc
Championship RGV-r machine has been incorporated in the new XRE0 machine, and
its similar dimensions will feel comfortably familiar to Kenny Roberts Jr. and
Sete Gibernau when they join the on-going test program.
The XRE0 development program will continue over winter with experienced Japanese
test riders working with the Suzuki factory development team.
"Through the use of various advanced Suzuki technologies we have been able
to accelerate the development program of the new XREO machine to enable us to
enter the MotoGP series one whole year ahead of schedule," Kunio ARASE,
XRE0 Project Leader, says.
"The new ultra-compact and lightweight XRE0 engine has exceeded our power
and efficiency targets, and by combining our successful Superbike and GP
technologies we have a machine that we believe will be capable of winning the
new MotoGP series."
"We are continuing to test the machine both on and off the track and rider
feedback gives us great confidence that we will have a very competitive machine
at the start of the 2002 MotoGP season."
Specifications of the XRE0
Engine: Liquid cooled 4-cycle V4, DOHC 4-valve
Capacity: 990cc
Max power: 210PS + / 14,000rpm+
Frame: Aluminum twin spar
Fuel tank capacity: 22?
Weight: 145kg