Ford have finally taken the wraps off their new rally contender, the Fiesta S2000.
“This is the first global rally car for Ford and M-Sport,” says M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson. “I really believe that we have produced a fantastic rally car and this launch is a big step to seeing it out competing in rallies. It’s the first time in five years that we have been able to offer a Ford rally car that can challenge for overall victory in national championships across the world.”
The new car will start competing in 2010 and is eligible to run under S2000 and IRC regulations, but it is likely to take on a much more important role in 2011 as it could form the basis for Ford’s next WRC car, replacing the Focus.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to see the car actually launched to the world after all the hard work and testing behind closed doors,” says M-Sport Technical Director Christian Loriaux. “Everyone at M-Sport has had to pull together in order to get the Fiesta S2000 finished in such a short period of time and it has been a great team effort to get to this point so quickly.
Ford Fiesta S2000 Specifications
Engine:
Ford 1998cc Pipo built I4 Duratec S2000 engine. Four cylinders, 16 valves. Bore 87mm. Stroke 83mm. Cosworth electronics engine management system. Catalytic converter.
Power:
280 bhp at 8000 rpm.
Torque:
260 Nm at 6500 rpm.
Transmission:
Permanent four-wheel drive. M-Sport / Xtrac six speed sequential gearbox with AP clutch.
Suspension:
Front and rear: MacPherson struts with Reiger external reservoir dampers, three-way adjustable. Fully adjustable fabricated steel links. Front and rear anti-roll bars. Machined aluminium uprights.
Brakes:
Gravel (front and rear): 300mm Brembo ventilated discs with Brembo four piston monoblock calipers.
Asphalt (front ): 355mm Brembo ventilated discs with Brembo four-piston monoblock calipers.
Asphalt (rear ): 300mm Brembo ventilated discs with Brembo four-piston monoblock calipers.
Hydraulic handbrake.
Steering:
Power-assisted high-ratio (12:1) rack and pinion. One and a half turns lock to lock.
Wheels:
Gravel: 7in x 15in (aluminium) wheels with 650mm tyres.
Asphalt: 8in x 18in (magnesium) wheels with 650mm tyres.
Bodyshell:
Unitary construction. Unique composite side panels. Welded T45 steel safety roll cage. Aerodynamic rear wing. Unique front ‘bumper’ treatment.
Electronics: Full Cosworth electronics data acquisition for on-event diagnostics and performance development.
Fuel tank:
FIA FT3 tank, 80 litre capacity, located centrally.
Dimensions:
Length: 3958mm. Width: 1820mm. Wheelbase: 2489mm. Weight: 1200kg minimum.