From a press release:
SUZUKI 4-STROKE READY FOR 2002 MotoGP SEASON
November 22nd 2001
Suzuki today announced that it would contest the new-format 2002 FIM World MotoGP Championship with its new 4-stroke-engined GP machine. Originally it was planned to develop the new machine throughout 2002 and launch it in 2003, but initial test results convinced Suzuki to bring the whole schedule forward by 12 months. The new 4-stroke grand prix machine will make its debut next year at the opening round at Suzuka in April.
The machine will be all-new, but other vital parts of the official factory Suzuki team remain the same, with main sponsor Telefonica MoviStar continuing its successful partnership with Suzuki, Kenny Roberts Jr and Sete Gibernau. Other major technical sponsors confirmed for the new 4-stroke development program include MOTUL and DUNLOP.
The new 4-stroke engine project, code named XRE0, started in February 2000 and the phase-one targets were achieved and exceeded well ahead of schedule. The XRE0 engine was then installed in a modified RGV-r race chassis for the next stage of development.
The XRE0 is an extremely light and compact 990cc, 60-degree, V4 configuration engine design with a single crankshaft, gear-driven DOHC and electronic fuel injection. Specific attention has been paid to the combustion design in the interests of obtaining maximum fuel efficiency and consumption.
Suzuki’s vast experience in designing and developing the legendary GSX-R factory Superbike race machines has helped to accelerate the XRE0 development program and the new engine produces exceptional low-to-mid range torque to aid controllability, as well as the high maximum power figures required to win the new MotoGP championship.
Much of the technology used to create the chassis of the year 2000 World 500cc Championship RGV-r machine has been incorporated in the new XRE0 machine, and its similar dimensions will feel comfortably familiar to riders Kenny Roberts Jr. and Sete Gibernau when they join the on-going test programme. The XRE0 development program will continue over the winter period with experienced Japanese test riders working with the Suzuki factory development team.
Kunio ARASE. XRE0 Project Leader: “Through the use of various advanced Suzuki technologies we have been able to accelerate the development program of the new XREO machine to enable us to enter the MotoGP series one whole year ahead of schedule.
“The new ultra-compact and lightweight XRE0 engine has exceeded our power and efficiency targets and by combining our successful Superbike and GP technologies we have a machine that we believe will be capable of winning the new MotoGP series.
“We are continuing to test the machine both on and off the track and rider feedback gives us great confidence that we will have a very competitive machine at the start of the 2002 MotoGP season.”
Specification of the XRE0
Engine: Liquid cooled 4-cycle V4 DOHC 4-valve
Capacity: 990cc
Max power: 210 PS + / 14,000 rpm+
Frame: Aluminum twin spar
Fuel tank capacity: 22l
Weight: 145kg