[Lester]

The GT Sport is classed as H Street by SCCA, which is for lowest performing cars (the ones requiring the greatest adjustment to compare to other classes). There are a lot of good drivers in this class, as it is cheaper to outfit a competitive car.


I won't do my first autox in it until end of April, and I would enjoy hearing from anyone who has already done that. I've installed 200 treadwear tires, and I'm guessing I'll find a stiffer rear sway bar would be a good investment.


I've never autocrossed a front wheel drive car, so I don't know how typical the torque stering to the right at max acceleration is, not thar I can do anything about it. I do think that the dual clutch and independent rear suspension, along with 201 HP, suggest a fairly competitive car. I don't notice any turbo lag.


Words of wisdom from people who have autocrossed the GT Sport would be appreciated.

 

[ExNukeSquid]

This wont be of complete relevance as I only autocrossed in my '01 GTI VR6 (5-spd) about 13 years ago. It ran in G Street class and I did quite well for the one season I competed in and I got 8th overall for novice in a field of 80 something. So in comparison, I think the GTS handles as good if not better than my '01 GTI did and has another 25hp. I think you will do well against H class cars.

As far as possible advice, the only issue I notice with mine is the front end lightness. I notice it has issue grabbing traction from launch and if I push a bit hard on a corner and it is at all sandy, I get front end slide. You might have to feather on acceleration a bit at launch and as you come out of the corners a bit. Other than that, I think it makes a mighty fine go-cart. Good luck!

 

[syrinx_priest]

Just autocrossed with my GT N-Line this past weekend. Was my first time autocrossing, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it performed well. A little bit of understeer, but not too much. I'm using Firehawk Indy 500s, so that probably helped some over the stock all-seasons. In 7 runs, I didn't hit a single cone or go off course once. She goes right where you tell her to go. I think I may try an aftermarket rear anti-roll bar, and see if that improves the steering even more.

 

[Lester]

Good info!


1 - did you disable ESC and traction control?
2 - did you put transmission in manual shift mode?
3 - did you put the car in "sport driving mode"?


I'm unclear about all three of these items. I had to disable ESC and traction control on my BRZ, but I don't know about this one. Items 2 and 3 I have no idea about. The dct seems to shift when I would want it to between 2nd and 3rd, so I'm not sure if I should just let it handle the shifting for me in manual mode, as it automatically downshifts when floored. Sport Mode just sems to upshift later in automatic mode.


Really glad to hear about the handling.


And welcome to autocrossing!

 

[syrinx_priest]

Good info!


1 - did you disable ESC and traction control?
2 - did you put transmission in manual shift mode?
3 - did you put the car in "sport driving mode"?


I'm unclear about all three of these items. I had to disable ESC and traction control on my BRZ, but I don't know about this one. Items 2 and 3 I have no idea about. The dct seems to shift when I would want it to between 2nd and 3rd, so I'm not sure if I should just let it handle the shifting for me in manual mode, as it automatically downshifts when floored. Sport Mode just sems to upshift later in automatic mode.


Really glad to hear about the handling.


And welcome to autocrossing!

1. Yes, I fully turned off traction and stability control.
2. Yes, I used manual mode, switched to 2nd after launch and then left it there. That way the car wouldn't be trying to shift constantly. Not sure it would have, but I didn't want to chance it. 2nd gear was where I wanted to be.
3. Yes, sport mode all the way.