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R005 Widebody Syndicate Release
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Hillclimb Harrier

R005

Hillclimb Harrier

Series Forgotten Cars
Category Circuit
Platform 1983 Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Era 1980s Turbo Age

The Hillclimb Harrier transforms the 1983 Chrysler Fifth Avenue from a classic American luxury cruiser into a ruthless hill climb contender. This build strips away the sedan’s traditional comfort, integrating a front-midmounted 5.2L turbocharged V8 beneath a vented carbon fiber hood, paired with a clam-shell polycarbonate rear hatch for optimized heat extraction. Its widebody stance, enhanced by over 600mm of track width gain and sharply sculpted arch extensions with vortex generators, combines aggressive aerodynamics with the sedan’s imposing silhouette to maximize grip and airflow control on steep, twisty ascents. Purpose-built for privateer competition, the Harrier features a triple-element carbon wing with hydraulic height adjustment and an extended front splitter, emphasizing downforce and balance rarely seen in this chassis class. Adjustable suspension lowers the car to just 110mm ride height, while Centerlock OZ Racing wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires ensure traction and responsiveness. This build is a technical statement—a collision of 1980s turbo era muscle and modern carbon aero refinement, designed to dominate tight, demanding hill climb courses with poise and precision.

Hillclimb Harrier blueprint

Technical Dossier // R005

Track

Purpose-built for the brutal demands of hill climb racing, the Harrier excels on steep, winding mountain roads where precision and downforce are paramount. Its adjustable suspension and aerodynamic components allow for quick adaptation to changing conditions, while the wide track and sticky Michelin tires provide exceptional grip. This build thrives in technical sections, offering confidence and control at high speeds on narrow, elevation-challenging courses.

Body Modifications

Widebody conversion adding over 600mm total track width
Sculpted arch extensions integrated with vortex generators
Clam-shell polycarbonate rear hatch for weight reduction and cooling
Carbon fiber vented hood for enhanced engine bay airflow

Aero Components

Triple-element adjustable carbon fiber rear wing with hydraulic height control
Extended front splitter with dive planes for front-end downforce
Underbody venturi tunnels integrated into floorpan
Rear diffuser sculpted into widebody rear arches

Aero

The aerodynamic package is a cornerstone of the Hillclimb Harrier’s design, featuring a triple-element carbon fiber rear wing with hydraulic height adjustment for on-the-fly downforce tuning. An extended front splitter with dive planes and underbody venturi tunnels work together to create balanced front-to-rear grip, while the integrated rear diffuser channels airflow to reduce drag and increase stability. Vortex generators along the widebody arches refine airflow, minimizing turbulence and enhancing cornering performance under demanding hill climb conditions.

Wheel and Tire Setup

Centerlock OZ Racing forged wheels
19x10.5 front and 19x11.5 rear wheel sizes
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for maximum grip
Staggered setup optimized for hill climb traction and handling

Wheels

The Hillclimb Harrier rides on Centerlock OZ Racing forged wheels, sized 19x10.5 at the front and 19x11.5 at the rear to accommodate its widebody stance. Wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, this setup balances lightweight strength and grip, delivering confident feedback and traction critical to the car’s aggressive hill climb performance.

Stance

Lowered to just 110mm of ride height, the car’s stance is aggressive yet purposeful, with over 600mm of added track width enhancing stability and cornering precision. The widebody arches seamlessly integrate with the suspension geometry, allowing for maximum tire clearance and optimized weight distribution, embodying a poised yet menacing posture on the tarmac.

Powertrain Concept

Front-midmounted 5.2L turbocharged V8
Upgraded intercooling with front and side-mounted radiators
Custom ECU calibration for torque curve tuning
Lightweight exhaust system with heat shielding

Engine

At the heart of the Hillclimb Harrier lies a front-midmounted 5.2L turbocharged V8, a modern reinterpretation of classic American muscle power. The engine features advanced intercooling and a bespoke ECU tune that delivers strong torque across a broad RPM range, tailored for rapid throttle response on steep climbs. Lightweight exhaust components and extensive heat shielding maintain optimal temperatures during intense hill climb runs.

Drivetrain

Power is routed through a reinforced manual transmission designed for quick shifts and durability under high-stress conditions. A limited-slip differential ensures power delivery is balanced between the rear wheels, maximizing traction on tight and uneven mountain roads. The drivetrain layout supports the car’s aggressive stance and aerodynamic focus while maintaining mechanical reliability.

Fabrication Notes

Extensive carbon fiber body panels for weight reduction and rigidity
Custom hydraulic wing actuation system with quick adjustment
Reinforced chassis bracing to handle widened track and increased downforce
Precision-machined suspension components for adjustability and durability

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