Torino TC 2024

Torino TC 2024
Torino TC 2024 of Marcos Landa
CategoryACTC stock car
ConstructorTrotta Racing Team
Designer(s)Francisco Russo (Division Creative Lab)[1]
Technical specifications
EngineAMC XJ 3.21 L (195.9 cu in) DOHC I6 naturally-aspirated FR
Transmission6-speed sequential manual
Weight1,315 kg (2,899 lb)
Competition history
CompetitionTurismo Carretera
Notable entrantsTrotta Racing Team
Candela Competición
Sprint Racing
Notable driversArgentina Tobías Martínez
Uruguay Marcos Landa
Argentina Kevin Candela
Argentina Nicolás Cotignola
Debut2024 Turismo Carretera El Calafate round
First win2024 Turismo Carretera El Calafate round

The Torino TC 2024 (also referred to as Torino NextGen and Torino Concepto 2024) is a stock car designed to race in Asociación Corredores de Turismo Carretera-sanctioned series including Turismo Carretera.[2]

History

The IKA-Renault Torino was an Argentine-built coupé based on the AMC Rambler. A version of this car competed in Argentina's premier motorsport championship – Turismo Carretera – beginning in 1967, winning four titles in its first five seasons. Following the discontinuation of vehicle production in 1982 and technical restrictions imposed on both the Torino and the Dodge GTX in 1989, its use declined until the ACTC allowed the fitment of the AMC XJ "Cherokee" engine in 1995 – thereafter becoming a popular alternative to the Ford and Chevrolet counterparts, and resulting in the first title for the brand in 51 years through José Manuel Urcera in 2022.[3]

For 2024, the ACTC introduced new models based on American pony cars from the existing manufacturers as well as a facelift to the recently-introduced Toyota Camry.[4] As no modern version of an IKA/Renault exists, the ACTC allowed for a 'concept' Torino based on the original car of the 1960s and 70s to be built and raced.[5] Following over 90 design applications, six were put to a fan vote with Francisco Russo's Dodge Challenger Hellcat-inspired design being selected.[1] Trotta Racing Team (Renault Argentina's affiliated team in Turismo Carretera) were tasked with building the first cars from scratch, and were forced to make some alterations to the design from a practical standpoint – including using the roof from a Toyota Corolla, albeit modified.[6][7][8]

The first TC 2024 was completed a week prior to the first event of the 2024 season, with just under two months of build time and no testing.[9] Reigning TC Pista champion and top class rookie Tobías Martínez was tasked with débuting the car at the first round of the season in El Calafate, and pulled off a shock victory after the top four finishers were all either penalised or disqualified.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b "Ya se puede votar entre los 6 diseños de Torino para el TC 2024" (in Spanish). Motor1 Argentina. 2 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Se presentó el nuevo Torino que correrá en el TC" (in Spanish). Parabrisas. 20 February 2024.
  3. ^ "Histórico: José Manuel Urcera logró el título de Turismo Carretera y Torino volvió a ser campeón luego de 51 años" (in Spanish). Infobae. 11 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Se vienen cambios en el Turismo Carretera para 2024: lo que tenés que saber" (in Spanish). TyC Sports. 1 July 2023.
  5. ^ "Ya se puede votar entre los 6 diseños de Torino para el TC 2024" (in Spanish). SoloTC. 23 September 2023.
  6. ^ "El Trotta Racing Team y el Torino TC 2024 en la página destacada del Turismo Carretera" (in Spanish). ACTC Argentina on YouTube. 5 February 2024.
  7. ^ "Torino de TC 2024: empiezan a fabricar las piezas". SoloTC. 2023-12-08. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  8. ^ "Trotta y el nuevo Torino de TC: "Esperaba un proyecto más cercano a la realidad"". SoloTC. 2023-12-26. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  9. ^ "Trotta: "Hicimos el Torino nuevo en 50 días"" (in Spanish). SoloTC. 20 February 2024.
  10. ^ "Tobías Martínez ganó una increíble Final del TC en El Calafate con el Torino nuevo" (in Spanish). SoloTC. 25 February 2024.