USM X
Season 2009/2010
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.
Engine
2008 Honda CBR600RR8,
599 CC
Chassis
Mild Steel Spaceframe
Wheels
13" OZ Superleggera
Competizione
Tyres
Hoosier FSAE 20.5x7-13 R25B
Suspension
Non-parallel unequal length double wishbone suspension, pull-rod front/push- rear actuated four-way adjustable Ohlins/Cane Creek dampers (FSAE edition), adjustable anti-roll bars
Aerodynamics
None
Weight
225kg (no driver)