M-Sport introduce the EcoBoost powered Ford Fiesta WRC

Embarking on a new era in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), +M-Sport introduce the EcoBoost- powered Ford Fiesta WRC – an innovation based on the new-for-2017 road-going Fiesta which will spearhead M-Sport’s challenge throughout next year’s eagerly anticipated season.

Designed to next-generation technical regulations implemented by the FIA, the Fiesta WRC ushers in the latest technology in world rally cars. Despite being built to this new set of regulations, the class of 2017 evoke images which hark back to the Group B days of old and M-Sport’s latest creation retains a strong pedigree – sharing a platform with Europe’s number one best-selling small car.

Based on the recently-unveiled, all-new, road-going Ford Fiesta, the Fiesta WRC derives its performance and style from a car beloved on both the road and the stage. Since its introduction into the sport, the Fiesta – in its various guises as R1, R2, R5, S2000 and WRC – has become rallying’s most successful model with countless victories and championship laurels around the globe.

This year alone, the Ford Fiesta R5 claimed an impressive 159 outright victories – that’s more than any other R5 – as well as countless class wins and a second successive FIA European Rally Championship. Designed from a completely clean-sheet of paper, M-Sport’s latest challenger adds another string to the Fiesta’s impressive bow and the development team are confident of making a return to the top step of the podium.

Looking the part, a fully CFD designed aerodynamic bodyshell features a front and rear splitter, dive planes and impressive rear wing which gives the Fiesta WRC a striking visual design. More spectacular and more powerful than its predecessor, the top-specification Fiesta has undergone a complete redesign and 95 percent of the car has been designed from scratch to deliver more power, and more mechanical grip.

Producing 380 bhp and 450 Nm of torque from its bespoke EcoBoost-powered 1600cc direct injection engine and 36 mm inlet restrictor, the sound has to be heard to be believed. A newly-designed six-speed sequential gearbox with hydraulic shift runs alongside a multi-disc clutch and an active centre differential offers enhanced control and performance.

Evolving further, redesigned MacPherson struts with Reiger external reservoir dampers are fully adjustable in bump and rebound, while ventilated brake discs with unique four-piston monoblock calipers provide the stopping power.

FORD FIESTA WRC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENGINE:
Ford EcoBoost 1600cc direct injection engine developed by M-Sport and Ford. Four cylinders, 16 valves. Bore 83.0mm. Stroke 73.9mm. Cosworth electronic engine management system. Garrett turbocharger with 36 mm inlet restrictor. Air intercooler. Catalytic converter.

POWER: 380 bhp
TORQUE:450 Nm

TRANSMISSION:
Permanent four-wheel drive. Mechanical front and rear differentials with active centre differential. Six-speed sequential gearbox developed by M-Sport and Ricardo with hydraulic shift. Multi disc clutch developed by M-Sport and AP Racing.

SUSPENSION:
Front and rear: MacPherson struts with Reiger external reservoir dampers, adjustable in bump and rebound. Fully adjustable fabricated steel links. Front and rear adjustable anti-roll bars. Machined aluminium uprights.

BRAKES:
Gravel (front and rear): 300mm Brembo ventilated discs with Brembo four- piston monoblock calipers.
Asphalt (front and rear): 370mm/355mm Brembo ventilated discs with Brembo four-piston monoblock calipers.
Hydraulic handbrake. Adjustable front / rear bias.

STEERING:
Power-assisted high-ratio (12:1) rack and pinion. One and a half turns lock-to-lock.

WHEELS:
Gravel / Snow: 7in x 15in (magnesium) wheels with Michelin 650mm tyres. Asphalt: 8in x 18in (magnesium) wheels with Michelin 650mm tyres.

BODYSHELL:
Fully CFD designed aerodynamics featuring front and rear splitter, dive planes and rear wing. Fully composite body panels and welded T45 steel rollcage.

ELECTRONICS:
Full Cosworth chassis and engine data acquisition for on-event diagnostics and performance development.

FUEL SYSTEM:
FIA Specification by ATL. Located centrally and low with 75 litre capacity.

INTERIOR:
Twin dash screens for driver and co-driver. Sparco seats and belts. Composite door cards with FIA crash foam.

DIMENSIONS:
Length: 4130mm. Width: 1875mm. Wheelbase: 2493mm. Weight: 1190kg minimum.