DL AION Urgent RX78
When searching for more information on this car nothing relevant pops up. All you get is an amalgam of Gundams unfortunately, unless you’re into Gundams. I tried tracking down the potential original builder of this car because at first it isn’t very apparent. Who is DL? What’s Aion? Why isn’t anything related to this car showing when I search Garage Urgent RX78? After a few more searches, I found the website aion-r.co.jp to which I would assume to be a co-creator in this build with Garage Urgent. Even traversing to Garage Urgent’s website, there would be no information found on this RX78. Hopefully Google’s translation of OPTION’s writer’s words will be somewhat accurate. Please enjoy the DL AION Urgent RX78 from OPTION Mag 2008.6.
Translation:
The engine that fits normally is the 13B-REW for the FD3S. In order to ensure stability, the member position was revised to ensure that the engine was mounted as low as possible and at the rear. The installed turbine is a TD06-20G with approximately 430ps, a choice made with consideration to securing low-speed torque. The V-mounted radiator and intercooler fit naturally into the space created by moving the engine to the rear. The control is Motech’s M4, and the transmission has been converted to FD3S.
Translation:
While using members. from the RX-7 (FD3S), it was quite difficult to process the mounting position of the suspension and attach the arms of the RX-8. Since this is a competition vehicle, the engine is rigidly mounted and mounted low. When competing, he wears Dunlop slick tires.
Translation:
The interior is clean and has no unnecessary items. It is equipped with a hydraulically controlled handbrake, which is essential in gymkhana competitions. The genuine meter was removed from the meter panel, and external boost pressure, tachometer, and water pressure gauges (all manufactured by Pivot) were built in from the left.
This is a machine that combines the best features of RX-7 and RX-8!
Chief mechanic Mr. Kato / Driver Mr. Nagai
“Until last year, this machine has competed in the C class of the Gymkhana competition, which has a wide range of modifications. Since the competition involves many stop-and-go driving styles, the turbine is small and the emphasis is on response. The RX-8 for city riding is also used. It would be great if it had this kind of power performance. The finished product looks normal, but we took a lot of time to modify it and make one-offs, such as using members from the FD3S while retaining the suspension from the RX-8. It’s something I’ve matured into.”
Translation:
Engine transplant from RX-7!! If you increase the engine power to the right level driving the RX-8 will be even more fun!!
Translation:
Learn how to tune the RX-8 from Gymkhana modified vehicles!!
Five years have passed since the RX-8 was released, and an increasing number of owners are modifying their vehicles.
Although it has been well-received for its handling since its debut, many owners who have experienced tuning cars have expressed dissatisfaction with the NA-spec engine power.
Meanwhile, Yamaoka Aion’s RX-8, which has had its power source modified, is a tuning car that incorporates many elements that can be used as reference for tuning.
Since the vehicle was participating in competitions as a Gymkhana spec until last year, it has been carefully crafted down to the last detail, so there is a lot to see.
First of all, the highlight is the engine for the FD3S, which has been neatly replaced. Since this was a competition vehicle whose purpose was to win, there was no compromise in loading the vehicle as much as possible.
For the conversion, we used an FD3S engine member that had been modified to accommodate the RX-8’s suspension arms, and we spared no effort in processing it so that the engine could be mounted as far back and low as possible.
In order to lower the engine position and increase the drive feel, the engine body and members are rigidly mounted, which is a mounting method unique to competition vehicles.
Additionally, the overhang space created by mounting the engine at the rear has been effectively utilized. By equipping the radiator and intercooler with a V-mount layout, we have succeeded in creating an optimal layout for rotary engines that require careful consideration of cooling.
When replacing the engine, the electric power steering used in the RX-8, which had a poor feel, was canceled and replaced, but the attention to detail is palpable, and you can really feel the passion of the creators.
And the seasoning of the replaced engine itself is just for response and low focus on speed.
For the turbine, I chose the TD06-20G, which is modest for a tuned rotary turbo, and i use Motech’s M4 for control.
This combination has resulted in a machine that can perfectly handle gymkhana, which often involves a stop-and-go style of running. It also seems to match very well with mini-circuits and the like.
As for suspension, although there were no major modifications from the RX-8’s, the rear stroke was increased, and the damping force settings were fine-tuned by Mr. Nagai, the driver, after driving the car.
By the way, due to the specific nature of the competition and tires, the spring rates are said to be extremely high at 22kg/mm for the front and 7kg/mm for the rear.
The yellow-based flare coloring was created by custom painter Frames Design. It’s also cool that it’s painted in a color that makes it instantly recognizable as this car.
If you got this far in the post, thank you for your support and I hope you enjoyed being able to learn about the JL AION Urgent RX78. Stay tuned for more translated articles and scans!
-WAKAI気迫