Homologation sheet

In motorsport, the homologation sheet describes the exact permissible limits of a motor vehicle construction or motor vehicle revision in order to be able to take part in a racing event in the broadest sense. All vehicles starting in groups N, A, B, GT, ST, CL1 or T2 must meet the requirements of the homologation sheet. The homologation sheet is drawn up by the responsible manufacturer of the vehicle. There are sheets for whole vehicles and only engines, important for example for Formula 2 up to 1975 and Formula 3 and Group CN .

The homologation sheet is valid worldwide after approval by the regionally responsible motorsport association. The assignment to a specific car model is established by the homologation number.

In the course of production, changes that flow into the series can be post-homologated. Sports transmissions or differential locks offered later, including entire body kits, are also recognized as variants or evolutionary stages, as are improvements to the brakes.

Temporal validity

Once a homologation has been issued, it is valid as long as the manufacturer continues to build the model. After production has ceased, the homologation expires after seven, unless otherwise specified nationally. According to Appendix J, which was valid from 1971 to 1982, the period was four years. Back then - in contrast to today - a vehicle could only be homologated in one group; homologation in Group 1 made such in the group 2 invalid. Today vehicles in groups N and A can be homologated at the same time or only in one of both.

National homologations

In Germany, the DMSB determines whether a certain homologation is extended beyond the original date, which is determined by the end of production. For example, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V in groups DA and DN (instead of A and N) is homologated until the end of 2008. Post-homologation is also possible for GTs.

This measure will be taken if vehicles of this type are still active in the country. The owners are spared the immediate purchase of new sports equipment. One example is the BMW Mini Cooper S, which can be used in Germany until 2011 and beyond.

Touring cars and GT

Among the touring cars include vehicles that are intended for normal sale to the clientele and have at least four seats. In addition, certain minimum quantities (size N: 2,500 vehicles within twelve calendar months) must be proven.

GT vehicles, such as B. the Porsche GT3 , usually only have two seats. Depending on the dimensions, 2 + 2-seater also fall into this group. Most of Porsche's road cars have this seat configuration.

The Ferrari 575 M Maranello is homologated as a GT until 2010. An extension is not currently planned.

Group A

The basic description of the vehicle with data on the material of the body and dimensions can be found in the A homologation sheet. The motor is described in detail in terms of material and dimensions. Of course, there is also information on the displacement, which can change within limits on the individual vehicle. Article 255 of the Int. Automobile Sports Act regulates the changes permitted in Group A. All series parts can be reworked as long as no material is added. The original displacement class must be retained.

A typical A sheet has the following entries:

valid from: (date of homologation)
two photos, diagonally from the front and diagonally from the back, of the whole car
Manufacturer (e.g. Ford, VW) and trade name , e.g. B. 86 Polo Coupé GT
Displacement
Description of the body with dimensions
Description of the engine / number of cylinders / cooling system / material and weight of pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, etc.
Cylinder head and mixture preparation, camshaft with valve lift, valves and valve springs.

Since the machining of the camshaft is optional, the more important dimensions such as steepness and timing are not mentioned in the A sheet.

Ignition system, lubrication system, fuel system
Power transmission, gear ratios of the gears permitted in group A.
Suspension, brakes

This area is sometimes a bit confusing due to post-homologations.

Final drive. This must be distinguished from that in group N, i.e. H. in GR. A completely different axle ratios can be homologated than in Gr. N.
The conclusion is formed by photos of the engine, the cylinder head of the mixture preparation, etc. All of the above-mentioned and dimensioned parts are presented again in a black and white picture, mostly of poor quality. There is also space to show where the measurements are to be taken.

All pages are protected from simple manipulation by perforations with a kind of seal.

Most touring cars are homologated in both group A and N. Exceptions include a. the Subaru Legacy 2.0 4WD with hom. 5591, which can only start in group A. The same applies to:

Astra-G-CC with 1998.4 cm³, Hom. No. 5589
Golf 1.8 20V, 1781 cm³, Hom. No. 5584
Citroën Xsara VTS 1.8 l, hom. No. 5612

and some other models from Fiat, Ford (GB), Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Rover, Suzuki and Toyota.

Current (April 2010) vehicles that are allowed to start in group N but not in group A are:

Škoda Octavia 1.8 20V 4x4 Turbo, homologation number A / N 5670
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR, homologation number A / N 5673
Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2004), homologation number A / N 5676
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, homologation number A / N 5688
Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2005), homologation number A / N 5695
Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2007), homologation number A / N 5714
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, homologation number A / N 5718
Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C (2009), homologation number A / N 5732

Nevertheless, all of these vehicles are listed in both Group A and Group N on the FIA lists.

Groups

A typical representative of the Gr. N is the BMW 320i (E46 / 4) with a displacement of 1,993 cc. Its homologation number is A + N 5624 . This was issued on March 1, 2001 and is valid until 2010.

Information on the weight and the important distance between the wheel hub and the wheel arch for lowering can be found in the N homologation sheet. Article 254 of the Int. Automobile Sports Act regulates the changes permitted in Group N. For example, only work that is part of the normal maintenance of the car may be carried out. Any changes that go beyond this will result in a reclassification to at least group A.

A typical N sheet has the following entries:

Homologation number, e.g. B. N-5347
valid from: (date of homologation), e.g. B. 1/01/1988
Manufacturer (e.g. Citroën) and trade name , e.g. B. AX Sport
Displacement
Minimum weight
Minimum height between wheel hub and wheel arch v. + h.
additional information on the material and dimensions of the motor
precise description of the camshaft with steepness of the cams and timing

because the camshaft may not be changed in group N. In practice this means that it will be changed, but only to the extent that the specified dimensions are adhered to.

Specifications of the valve springs
Number of gears and gear ratio of the group N gear (an additional gear must be specially homologated)
Rims with diameter, width, material and offset (but without pitch circle diameter )
Length, diameter and material of the stabilizer (s)
Dimensions of the suspension springs without / with load
possible options

Similar to the A-sheet, all pages are protected from simple manipulation by perforations with a kind of seal.

Further subdivision

Within the groups, the vehicles are divided into cubic capacity classes. Classes are common today

up to 1400 cm³
over 1400 to 1600 cm³
over 1600 to 2000 cm³
over 2000 cm³

In earlier years, up to around 1980, it was also common to subdivide the class up to 1400 cm³. The engine capacity limits were 700, 850, 1000, 1150 and 1300 cm³. Because of the minimum number of items described above, z. B. Carlo Abarth's cars are not homologated in the next-series class.

Formula 3

Three Renault engines are homologated for the F3: the Clio Williams , Megane Coupe and Clio Sport 2.0 , all with 2 l displacement. In addition, the manufacturers Nissan , Mitsubishi and various others are represented.