Raquel: All right you people! Ladies and gentlemen! As we all know, the Panzer Evo I has ceased production for well over 6 months, in
preparation for the successor. Granted, it has been long since overdue, but fret no longer!
Welcome, the Panzer Evolution II
Raquel: Built as a step up from the first evolution, the 2nd generation features 2 versions of the Kurashiki Tech engines, one built for the
Grand Sport model, another for the Rally Sport. As both models only differ engine wise, let's get on with the details.
The Grand Sport features a redesigned first generation Kurashiki Tech engine, built to withstand higher boost pressure. This 1998cc DOHC Inline-4,
Turbocharged engine develops an ample 400hp, able to hit 100kmh from naught in 3.9 seconds, and a top speed just shy of 300kmh, at 295kmh. Fitted
with a manual six-speed gearbox matched with a short gearstick, and a beefy clutch that can take any abuse you can throw at it, it's ready for rallying
action from the get go.
Interior is designed to be rugged in the first place, faux thick leather body hugging seats, military-grade console components sponsored by Panasonic with
their Toughbook fame, and a waterproof sound system meant for marine boats. This is carried over to our second model, the much higher end Rally Sport.
The Rally Sport, built as a throwback to the aggressive days of Group B, features the all-new 2300cc DOHC Inline-4 Turbocharged engine namely called the
Kurashiki Tech II, pushing out 650hp. That meant a 0-100kmh time of 3.8 seconds, and a top speed of 335kmh. No flappy pedal shenanigans here, just the
good old 6-speed manual with a short gearstick, and similar interior and infotainment as the Grand Sport.
But of course, that is not all. Should you need a close ratio gearbox for your rallying needs, be it amateur, or professional, the newer Kurashiki engines have
been designed with adapters to accept gearboxes from the Lancer Evo 7 to 10, last 3 generation Impreza WRX, and the Celica GT-Four ST205. Not only that,
we too provide our own take of close gear ratios gearboxes should you want a spanking new one instead. All you have to do is drop by, and our fellow work
colleagues will assist you and recommend the best overall gearbox setup for your rallying needs, based on surface types.
The Grand Sport will retail at $38'000, while the Rally Sport will fetch you at $56'000
Raquel: Also, I have been receiving requests on what I actually do before I joined Battalion, and before joining Audi as a test driver. I used to be an amateur
rally driver. Though, driving a Group B Audi Quattro for a sponsored team in an amateur event isn't what one would label as "Amateur". I have my fair share
of accidents, I have my fair share of close calls too. But, I am not the only amateur rally car driver here. Though I progressed to be a test driver for Audi years
later, it pales in comparison to Lean Beirer, who does amateur rallying for fun, and for longer than me. Though, she has quit. Erika too, is one of them. Just for fun,
and still active in it. One would easily know who are driving in such amateur events. Lean is known to drive several 70s and 80s rear wheel drive rally cars, while Erika
falls under the Lancer Evo, and Impreza WRX. Me, however, dealt with the Audi Quattro S1, and the RS200. The link below shows some of our close call
moments. Though, some cars like the Mini and the BMW were not us at all...
https://youtu.be/huaZrQs9PBo?t=2m14sNow, if you could excuse me, I got a turbocharged Shrike to tame.
Raquel: Oh you naughty monster, maybe your leash needs to be tightened further.
Fri Jul 17, 2015 11:39 pm 
