M-Sport introduces Ford Fiesta WRC for 2017 season

M-Sport shows the first official pictures of the undisguised Ford Fiesta WRC, prepared for the 2017 World Rally Championship. Based on the recently-unveiled, all-new road-going Ford Fiesta, the Ecoboost-powered Fiesta WRC will enter the new age of the world’s rallying, with the 2017-class rally cars which evoke memories to the Group B days back in the 1980s.

2017 Ford Fiesta WRC

Designed from a completely clean-sheet of paper, M-Sport’s latest challenger adds another string to the Fiesta’s impressive lineup (R1, R2, R5, S2000 and WRC cars) 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. Full chassis and engine data acquisition allows engineers to conduct on-event
diagnostics and performance development, while twin-dash screens for both driver and co-driver keep crews on track. Improved safety has also formed a key part of the Fiesta WRC’s development. A T45 steel rollcage is welded to the chassis with structural door sill reinforcements.

Ford Fiesta WRC 2017

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “Entering a new era in the FIA World Rally Championship, there is a real sense of excitement throughout the team, and rightly so as I believe we have created something extremely special in the new Ford Fiesta WRC. Having driven the car myself, I can honestly say that it is one of the most impressive we have ever produced. It’s exciting to drive, it sounds fantastic and it looks absolutely sensational.

Every team is starting on an equal footing and I’m confident that we have produced another car which is capable of challenging – and winning – at the very highest level. More than 95 percent has been designed from scratch and our team has had whatever they’ve wanted to build the best possible car. No expense has been spared, and we start the 2017 season with one goal in mind – returning to the top step of the podium.”

Photos: m-sport.co.uk,