The Jidé 1600 S has debuted in Assetto Corsa and has taken the community by storm. With tribute liveries appearing every few hours, like the one in the header image above from livery creator Perorocino, the love is being shared around for this niche French kit car, but what is all the hype about?
The Jidé 1600 S was the brainchild of French automotive engineer and designer, Jacques Durand. the inspiration for the 1600 S was, if not made obvious by the styling, the Ford GT40 - the king of the great French race, Le Mans, the car that managed to beat Ferrari at the iconic 24-hour race. The styling cues are clear, and the French kit car (not the GT40) has been recreated in Assetto Corsa by OverTake modder, rnoir.
Two Jidé 1600 S' at Paul Ricard Circuit. Image: rnoir
During the late sixties and early seventies, Ford was still seen as the king of the automobile. Their success at both Le Mans and in Formula One as an engine supplier via Cosworth led to a very large portion of the market share in the space of automobiles. This only further inspired Durand to make something for his home country that was a bit more affordable than a Le Mans-winning GT40.
Classic-styled livery for the Jidé 1600 S
For reference, the 1.6 MK2 Mazda MX5 weighs just over a ton and produces ninety horsepower and is hailed, alongside the MK1 MX5, as one of the best sports cars of all time. The Jidé weighs just over half of the MX5 and produces nearly double the horsepower.
If you combine all of these factors, the Jidé is lively, seemingly weightless and unbelievably fun to drive. When you put your foot down, the small thirteen-inch wheels, with skinny 205/80/13 vintage tyres provide the feeling of being on the edge the entire time you are driving.
The gearbox is a classic 5-speed H-pattern gearbox that, if treated nicely, will provide you with consistent and forgiving gearshifts. Currently, my clutch pedal is currently faulty on my sim rig and only engages at half pressure. Even with this issue, the Jidé was still perfectly driveable with rev-matching.
Jidé 1600 S Interior. Image: rnoir
It may technically be a 1970s car, but with its styling and performance, it could also fit in well with some of the machinery that ran in the late 60s - maybe not the Ford GT40, but the Daihatsu P-5 or the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and Lamborghini Miura P400 SV, which are first-party content in Assetto Corsa, might be worth a look.
What do you think about this awesome French kit car? Let us know on X @OverTake_gg or down in the comments below!
The Jidé 1600 S was the brainchild of French automotive engineer and designer, Jacques Durand. the inspiration for the 1600 S was, if not made obvious by the styling, the Ford GT40 - the king of the great French race, Le Mans, the car that managed to beat Ferrari at the iconic 24-hour race. The styling cues are clear, and the French kit car (not the GT40) has been recreated in Assetto Corsa by OverTake modder, rnoir.
Two Jidé 1600 S' at Paul Ricard Circuit. Image: rnoir
During the late sixties and early seventies, Ford was still seen as the king of the automobile. Their success at both Le Mans and in Formula One as an engine supplier via Cosworth led to a very large portion of the market share in the space of automobiles. This only further inspired Durand to make something for his home country that was a bit more affordable than a Le Mans-winning GT40.
What is the Jidé like to drive?
Raw. If one word could describe the driving experience, it would be that. The Jidé has a lively and spirited middle-mounted 8-valve four-cylinder engine. It is rear-wheel drive and puts out just 160 horsepower, but do not let that low number fool you: The Jidé only weighs 614kg (1411 lb), so do not underestimate this French pocket rocket.Classic-styled livery for the Jidé 1600 S
For reference, the 1.6 MK2 Mazda MX5 weighs just over a ton and produces ninety horsepower and is hailed, alongside the MK1 MX5, as one of the best sports cars of all time. The Jidé weighs just over half of the MX5 and produces nearly double the horsepower.
If you combine all of these factors, the Jidé is lively, seemingly weightless and unbelievably fun to drive. When you put your foot down, the small thirteen-inch wheels, with skinny 205/80/13 vintage tyres provide the feeling of being on the edge the entire time you are driving.
The gearbox is a classic 5-speed H-pattern gearbox that, if treated nicely, will provide you with consistent and forgiving gearshifts. Currently, my clutch pedal is currently faulty on my sim rig and only engages at half pressure. Even with this issue, the Jidé was still perfectly driveable with rev-matching.
Jidé 1600 S Interior. Image: rnoir
What could you race against?
Remember, the Jidé was mostly used in rally competitions, but circuit racing can be just as much fun if you use your imagination! The obvious answer is a 'One-make' style grid, but if you wanted to change up your racing experience you could use some of these cars from the same period.It may technically be a 1970s car, but with its styling and performance, it could also fit in well with some of the machinery that ran in the late 60s - maybe not the Ford GT40, but the Daihatsu P-5 or the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and Lamborghini Miura P400 SV, which are first-party content in Assetto Corsa, might be worth a look.
What do you think about this awesome French kit car? Let us know on X @OverTake_gg or down in the comments below!
