The new generation of the Ford Fiesta will now also be available in R2 version, specially prepared for rally racing. The hatchback was prepared by the British M-Sport studio, which has been cooperating with Ford for 20 years now.
The car has been prepared to meet the requirements of Ford Fiesta R2, where the body, suspension and motor are made on the basis of serial components. Only front-end machines are involved in this category, with the engine being atmospheric with a volume of up to 1600 cub cm or less with a turbocharger. However, a new constraint enters into force next year, allowing only turbochargers with a capacity of 927 to 1067 cub cm.
In this case, the 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine with a volume of 999 cub cm was produced and its power increased from 180 to 200 hp and the torque from 250 to 290 Nm. The engine control unit is special – Life Racing L88, and three modes of operation are prepared to cope with the turbo engine. The 5-speed gearbox of the French company Sadev has 3 types of differential lock.
The hatchback also received a new safety carcass, and the position of the driver’s seat was changed. It is moved backwards, and this provides better weight distribution. The suspension has been revised and the machine has received Reiger shock absorbers with 3 adjustments, as well as an adjustable stabilizer. The Alcon brakes are equipped with 310 mm diameter ventilated discs for asphalt driving specifications and 285 mm for macadam driving.
Production of the rally car will take place at the M-Sport factory in Krakow (Poland), with the Ford Fiesta ST-Line standard hatchback being delivered from the Cologne plant.
