[Kwik_Shift]

Anybody interested in doing theirs up?
I love rally car and would like to think it could make for a sweet production class racer.
I am considering a Venue, but with manual transmission. IVT is ok, but I prefer to be engaged
with my driving. Used car market is still way too high. Waiting for a Summer Crash and prices
will be fair again.

 

[Chicago Jake]

I test-drove an IVT Venue, and it was as sluggish as a snail. But I purchased a manual transmission Venue, and it SCOOTS! At the cost of gas mileage, of course, but that's up to what you value. I could see it making a really good racer.

 

[mayo]

Take a designed around town car and make it rally worthy? Goodluck with that man. I think you will find a lack of aftermarket parts available.✌🏼

 

[Kwik_Shift]

Take a designed around town car and make it rally worthy? Goodluck with that man. I think you will find a lack of aftermarket parts available.✌🏼

The point of rally car is anything can be used. And I did say production class.

 

[Kwik_Shift]

I test-drove an IVT Venue, and it was as sluggish as a snail. But I purchased a manual transmission Venue, and it SCOOTS! At the cost of gas mileage, of course, but that's up to what you value. I could see it making a really good racer.

I think the IVT was fine. Felt more snappy than a Nissan Kicks. Again, stick is the way to go for fun. IVT if you want top mpg as it was designed for. Don't be stomping on cvts in general because they don't respond like that. Easing into the acceleration is key. You'll feel that sweet spot where it picks up.

 

[mayo]

You can use a butter knife to perform brain surgery, but much better options are available…just sayin. The venues stock suspension could never take the punishment.
It’s been a great car so far don’t get me wrong, but rally worth it is not.✌🏼

 

[Kwik_Shift]

You can use a butter knife to perform brain surgery, but much better options are available…just sayin. The venues stock suspension could never take the punishment.
It’s been a great car so far don’t get me wrong, but rally worth it is not.✌🏼

I don't think you understand rally car production class.

 

[mayo]

Maybe not bro, but here’s what I do know as an owner. The venue is about as tuff as a Twinkie and your signing it up for something it was never designed to do.🤷🏼‍♂️

 

[Kwik_Shift]

Maybe not bro, but here’s what I do know as an owner. The venue is about as tuff as a Twinkie and your signing it up for something it was never designed to do.🤷🏼‍♂️

Again you have no clue about product development. Enjoy your Twinkie.

 

[mayo]

No I just now performance capabilities and have built suspensions from the frame up on multiple platforms. At some point of ownership you might want to look at the venues suspension and see what you’re working with. Single rear axle will have you hopping around like a Mexican bean just for starters, this combined with the high Center of gravity will be a PROBLEM. I owned a 2013 sonic rs that guys rallycross…it is worth, the venue not so much.
Not much aftermarket suspension available on the Venue, where cars in its class have many options available that would still keep the car in a “production”class. So goodluck and enjoy the view from the bottom of the leaderboard.✌🏼

 

[Kwik_Shift]

Do you know what production class means? Or how Rally Racing is classed? I'm more focused on FWD 1750 cc.
Why do you have a Mustang? That would be RWD and most likely GT. Not even same level

Remember, there is no progress without an attempt. These are challenges mechanical engineers live for. Almost every kind of entry level production car has been raced in some manner. For marketing usually, but also to push boundaries.

In the mid 90s in the Canadian Rally Championship, a 1970s Beetle was entered amongst other bread and butter "shit boxes". The VW didn't win, but that's not the point it was fun to watch the journey. You know what was winning though? 1993 Lada Samara 1.5L with 53hp. Newer models have a bit more. But still a popular but aging platform as it has that 50/50 weight ratio.

Even the slowest car can win with a skilled driver. And the opposite holds true as well.
That's why these racing circuits exist. To improve and redesign and challenge and attract driver/navigators.

There is a Venue N-Line overseas, but it has turbo. Which would shoot it up to another class. Like with the Fiat 500 Abarth.

Nissan had its Micra in the Micra Cup. Too bad they discontinued that. Nissan Kicks could have potential for a build up.

 

[mayo]

First off, that stang will never go near a rally course.🤣
It is my current baby that was built from a stock platform with too much mod to list.
All done by me including roush suspension.
Yes, my understanding of rally is limited…however my knowledge of cars is not.
I just for the life of me cannot understand why you would select a new production car that has a very limited aftermarket part selection for a performance sport like rally. You can barely find a decent set of wheels for this thing.
Yes I understand “production” class and some mods are allowed in rally…none of which are available for the venue. Other cars in your class will, which puts you at a disadvantage out of the box no matter the class.
I assume you came here for owner feedback not test our knowledge of rally racing…so here it is. The venue does not like ruff terrain. With its single rear axle and light dry weight, it hops around like a bunny rabbit when facing ruff conditions. Hell even pushing the suspension on the street, is a test of driver skill with the high center of gravity and oversteer. Don’t even get me started on the brakes, while perfectly fine for town driving will fade quick under any extreme conditions.
As I stated earlier, I would strongly recommend you get a look at the stock Venue suspension. While I might not know rally, I do know suspension capabilities and the venue is not really worthy imo. Can you race one…sure, but you will tear this car apart in the process (Twinkie).
It’s an economy ride bro not a SUV as marketed and you get what you pay for. Cheap metal, cheap welds, lead to broken Twinkie. It simply can’t take the punishment you are signing it up for, and I promise you, no matter the driver skill will perform for crap in rally. So many better options for the money imo. I would recommend an independent rear suspension if you truely wish to be competitive.
To each his own and best of luck…your going to need it.✌🏼

 

[Kwik_Shift]

Ok. Thanks for coming out. Dismissed.

 

[mayo]

Dude you have been here all of 10 minutes and don’t know a damn thing about this car. I’m trying to give you feedback from an owner of over 2 years. I’m telling ya, I would beat the brakes off that venue with any independent rear suspension car in its class. You can’t go fast with the ass end in the air bub. Ask any mustang owner. First thing you will want to do is change out the rear springs…that don’t exist.lmfao
Prove me wrong. I’ll wait here (forever).

 

[Kwik_Shift]

Thanks very much. Take care.

 

[mayo]

No problem man. Anytime you want to talk shop, let me know. I know a lot of tricks for that rebound problem you are going to have while you put lipstick on this pig.👍🏼

 

[Kwik_Shift]

Now, back to rally stuff.

 

[Cornelieaz]

The venue is about as tuff as a Twinkie

Man I am stealing that one. 😂

 

[mayo]

I mean, it’s true. Not bashing our little buddy Corn. He has been a great car so far, but have you looked at the suspension on this guy?
I have seen more heavy metal at a Celine Dion concert.🤷🏼‍♂️

 

[Cornelieaz]

I mean, it’s true. Not bashing our little buddy Corn. He has been a great car so far, but have you looked at the suspension on this guy?
I have seen more heavy metal at a Celine Dion concert.🤷🏼‍♂️

Man you are on one. I hope you're getting paid to be this good of a writer.

And yeah, this car is awesome. To Kwik's point, it sure is fun beating up an underpowered, ill equipped car that has no business ever being pushed to redline. I have a long line of thrashed Japaneses hatchbacks that all got the treatment...chopped springs without upgrading struts, blown out E brakes from too many power slides, buttery-slick clutch flywheels and groaning throwout bearings. I even got a 2001 Chevy Metro airborne once. Good times. I say destroy that thing if you can afford to and it puts wind up your skirt. I certainly know the thrill.

To Mayo's point, this is a beautiful car with modern tech and a classy interior that I got new for 23K OTD. That tells you they saved money on metal, not aesthetics. It'll break. I was tickled pink when the thing actually made it up a "primitive" mountain road for a camping trip. I imagine it'll rattle like a maraca eventually. They didn't sell too many of these in the states, as it dropped right into the supply chain issues of 2020-2022, so performance aftermarket parts are gonna need to come out of your garage workshop.

Is it an excellent car to own? Yep. I get compliments all the time.
Is it going to die an early, messy death if rallied? Yep, but it'll sure be a glorious endeavor.