The increasingly popular TCR International Series is set to gain another manufacturer’s presence on the grid, as Austrian race and R&D specialist STARD (Stohl Advanced Research and Development) has unveiled its vision of a TCR-specification Kia cee´d GT.
The car is based on the 5-door Cee’d variant, as per the regulations, using a 330bhp engine currently in development mated to a sequential paddleshift gearbox. The car has been designed and developed using the latest CAE systems, including the aerodynamics package and safety cell concept.
The official vehicle presentation will be held later this year after the completion of an intensive testing phase. STARD has confirmed that once this is completed, that it will produce the Kia cee´d TCR in a limited number for customers.
Conforming to TCR specification also ensures that the car is eligible to compete at international and national levels, in series such as the TCR, ETCC, VLN’s N24 and more.
“The project is based on a very intensive and detailed preparation phase. We can’t wait to see the Kia cee´d TCR hitting the worldwide racetracks and watching it fighting for victory in the hands of our customers,” said Manfred Stohl, president of STARD. “Kia’s brand slogan – the power to surprise will be beefed up a bit by the power to win.
“The combination of the TCR International Series and the Kia cee´d appeared absolutely perfect from the very beginning,” he added. “The huge demand among interested customers, even before the official project release equally demonstrates how anticipated the appearance of Kia-cars was in the motorsport world and how right the choice was with the TCR international series. Customers can´t await the release of the racecar, it seems even more than ourselves! We even have requests from Australia.”
More detailed information about the car, dates and the project itself will be released in the upcoming weeks.
