The design of USM X started right after the 2009 competition. The hard work paid off as the car performed extremely well in UK and German competitions. 

 

The major improvements of the car compared to the predecessor were the Wilwood steering rack, Drexler limited slip differential and aluminium hubs. The steering rack was 'quicker' than the old one - in other words, the wheels turned faster with the same steering wheel rotation. This improved handling as the car was more responsive. The new differential was a great buy as drivers quickly noticed the difference between the new Drexler and the old Torsen differential. The new differential also had six settings which allowed the possibility of tailoring its behaviour to the car. The main advantage of the new hubs was weight, with the aluminium versions weighing approximately 50% of the previous steel equivalents.

 

As in previous years, extensive finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out in order to make sure the components performed as expected. The car was built on time and extensive testing was carried out before the competitions.

 

Vital Stats

 

• Wheelbase: 1535mm

• Track (front/rear): 1200mm/1180mm

• Target Weight (front/rear, 68kg driver seated): 146.5kg/146.5kg

• Chassis: Mild steel spaceframe construction

• Engine: Honda CBR 600cc (20mm intake restrictor)

• Fuel: Shell V-Power

• Electronics: DTAFast programmable ECU, Race Technology DL1 data-acquisition system

• Transmission: Standard bike sequential gearbox, chain driven Drexler limited slip differential

• Brakes: Four outboard disc brakes, water jet cut 4130 floating discs, Wilwood calipers

• Wheels: 13" X 7" OZ Superleggera Competizione

• Tyres: Goodyear Eagle FSAE 20.0x7-13 

• Suspension: Non-parallel unequal length double wishbone suspension front and rear, pullrod(front)/pushrod(rear) actuated four-way adjustable Ohlins/Cane Creek dampers (FSAE edition), adjustable anti-roll bars

• Bodywork: Combination of fibreglass, carbon fibre and aluminium

• Safety: FIA approved 6-point harness, quick release steering wheel, frontal impact attenuator