The new Ford Fiesta R2 rally car will be debuting at this weekend’s Rally Of Sardinia.
Developed by Ford and M-Sport, the Fiesta R2 is based on the new Fiesta and is designed to fit into the new Group R regulations. Group R allows for an engine size up to 1600cc and front-wheel drive, making them less powerful than the Super 2000 cars but an excellent starting point for new drivers.
Powered by the 1,598cc Ti-VCT Zetec engine from the standard Fiesta, the Fiesta R2 has been reworked to give 163PS at 7,500rpm, a big improvement on the standard car’s 115PS. Torque is also up to 182Nm at 5,700rpm, while a Sadev 5-speed sequential gearbox delivers drive to the front wheels.
The Fiesta R2 will be used as the course safety car, but testing continues ahead of its expected homologation date on 1st July 2009. Ford and M-Sport have also confirmed that they are developing a new Super 2000 Fiesta.
You can check out the Fiesta in action, as well as take a tour of the new car with Malcolm wilson and Chris Williams. There’s more info and pictures over at the Fiesta R2 website.
