Time attack is a thrilling form of motorsport where drivers compete to set the fastest lap time on a given track.
Unlike other racing disciplines, time attack is not about overtaking or defending your position, but about pushing your car and yourself to the absolute limit.
Time attack cars are often highly modified and customized to suit the driver’s preferences and the track’s characteristics.
Some of the most impressive time attack cars come from Japan, where the sport originated, but there are also amazing examples from other countries like the USA, UK, and Australia.
In this article, we will introduce you to seven of the best time attack cars you need to see right now.
These are the cars that have set records, won championships, and inspired generations of enthusiasts.
1. HKS CT230R Mitsubishi Evo
The HKS CT230R is one of the most iconic and successful time attack cars ever built.
Based on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, the CT230R was developed by HKS, a renowned Japanese tuning company, in 2006.
The car features a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine that produces over 600 horsepower, a carbon fiber body that reduces weight and improves aerodynamics, and a sophisticated suspension system that optimizes grip and handling.
The CT230R dominated the time attack scene in Japan and abroad, setting multiple records at tracks like Tsukuba Circuit, Fuji Speedway, and Buttonwillow Raceway Park.
The car also competed in the World Time Attack Challenge in Australia in 2010, where it finished second behind another legendary Evo.
2. Cyber Evo
The Cyber Evo is another Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution that has made history in time attack.
The car was built by Cyber Engineering, a small garage in Japan, with the help of various sponsors and partners.
The Cyber Evo started as an Evo VI, but was later upgraded to an Evo IX with a 2.2-liter stroker engine that delivers over 700 horsepower.
The car also features a massive rear wing, a front splitter, and a vented hood that enhance its aerodynamic performance.
The Cyber Evo is best known for its rivalry with the HKS CT230R, which culminated in a dramatic showdown at the World Time Attack Challenge in 2011.
The Cyber Evo managed to beat the HKS CT230R by less than a second, setting a new lap record of 1:28.851 at Eastern Creek Raceway.
3. Sierra Sierra Enterprises Evo
The Sierra Sierra Enterprises Evo is an American challenger that has proven itself against the best time attack cars from Japan and elsewhere.
The car was built by Sierra Sierra Enterprises, a California-based racing team, in collaboration with Cosworth, a famous British engineering company.
The car is based on an Evo VIII, but has been extensively modified to produce over 800 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
The car also boasts a custom carbon fiber body kit, a Motec engine management system, and Brembo brakes.
The Sierra Sierra Enterprises Evo competed in several time attack events in the US and Japan, setting records at Infineon Raceway and Buttonwillow Raceway Park.
The car also participated in the World Time Attack Challenge in 2010 and 2011, finishing third and fourth respectively.
4. Scorch Racing S15 Silvia
The Scorch Racing S15 Silvia is a testament to the passion and dedication of one man: Under Suzuki.
Suzuki is an amateur driver who built his own time attack car from scratch, using his own money and resources. His car is based on a Nissan Silvia S15, but has been transformed into a monster that can rival any professional team’s machine.
The car has a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine that generates over 900 horsepower, a full carbon fiber body that weighs only 950 kg, and a massive rear wing that provides incredible downforce.
Suzuki has been competing in time attack events since 2007, constantly improving his car and his skills.
He has set several records at Tsukuba Circuit, his home track, with his best time being 50.366 seconds.
He has also competed in the World Time Attack Challenge four times, finishing fifth in 2012 and 2014.
5. Tilton Interiors Evo
The Tilton Interiors Evo is an Australian masterpiece that has dominated the local time attack scene for years.
The car was built by Tilton Interiors, a family-owned business that specializes in automotive upholstery and trimming.
The car is based on an Evo IX, but has been completely rebuilt to achieve over 1000 horsepower from its 2.2-liter turbocharged engine.
The car also features a custom carbon fiber body that reduces drag and increases downforce, as well as a sequential gearbox, a Motec engine management system, and Alcon brakes.
The Tilton Interiors Evo has won the World Time Attack Challenge three times, in 2013, 2014, and 2015, setting a lap record of 1:23.777 at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The car also holds the lap record at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with a time of 1:24.855.
6. Lyfe Motorsport R35 GT-R
The Lyfe Motorsport R35 GT-R is a modern marvel that has taken time attack to a new level.
The car was built by Lyfe Motorsport, a Utah-based racing team, in collaboration with AMS Performance, a leading tuner of Nissan GT-Rs.
The car is based on a 2009 Nissan GT-R, but has been modified to produce over 1700 horsepower from its 4.1-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine.
The car also features a custom carbon fiber body that reduces weight and improves aerodynamics, as well as a Hollinger sequential gearbox, a MoTeC engine management system, and Endless brakes.
The Lyfe Motorsport R35 GT-R competed in the World Time Attack Challenge in 2016, where it stunned the crowd with a blistering lap time of 1:20.971, breaking the previous record by almost three seconds.
The car also holds the lap record at Willow Springs International Raceway, with a time of 1:19.780.
7. RP968 Porsche 968
The RP968 Porsche 968 is a unique and innovative time attack car that has challenged the conventional wisdom of the sport.
The car was built by Rod Pobestek, a wealthy Australian businessman and car enthusiast, with the help of PR Technology, a Porsche specialist workshop.
The car is based on a 1993 Porsche 968, but has been completely re-engineered to achieve over 1200 horsepower from its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The car also features a radical aerodynamic package that includes a front wing, a rear diffuser, and a swan-neck rear wing that can adjust its angle of attack on the fly.
The RP968 Porsche 968 competed in the World Time Attack Challenge in 2017 and 2018, where it won both times, setting a new lap record of 1:19.825 at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The car also holds the lap record at Wakefield Park Raceway, with a time of 56.980 seconds.
Conclusion
These are just some of the best time attack cars you need to see right now. There are many more amazing examples of time attack cars from different countries and eras, each with their own story and achievements.
Time attack is a sport that showcases the creativity, skill, and passion of drivers and builders who strive to go faster than anyone else on any given track.
If you are interested in time attack racing, you can follow the events and news on websites like Global Time Attack, World Time Attack Challenge, and Super Lap Battle. You can also watch videos of these cars in action on YouTube channels like Motive Video, Speedhunters, and Option Video.
Time attack is a fascinating and exciting form of motorsport that deserves more attention and appreciation from the wider automotive community.
