TO COMPLY WITH THE 2011 WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP RULES FORD ROLLED OUT ITS SUCCESSOR TO THE LEGENDARY FORD FOCUS RS WRC IN JANUARY THIS YEAR - THE ALL-NEW FORD FIESTA RS WRC.
With 173 starts, 44 wins, 43 second places and 56 third places racked up by the Focus RS WRC, the new Fiesta RS WRC has some fairly big shoes to fill. However Ford boss Malcolm Wilson is optimistic that the team?s new car has what it takes to achieve success in 2011.
?It?s very, very exciting times for us entering the championship with a new car and new technology,? said Malcolm Wilson. ?Christian [Loriaux, technical director] and Anthony [Brinkman, chief designer], have reviewed every single item on the car and tried to optimise everything in terms of strength and weight.?
TWO SEASONS OF TESTING
The Fiesta RS WRC has covered more than 11,000 kilometres of testing on gravel, asphalt, snow and ice in preparation for its WRC debut ? the equivalent of more than two full seasons of WRC competition.
"It was a challenging test programme. Matching the car to the tyres of our new supplier, Michelin, was a demanding process, ? continues Wilson. ?We've made excellent progress but I believe Mikko [Hirvonen] and Jari-Matti [Latvala] will learn more about the way the tyres behave as we encounter new conditions on different rallies.?
The Castrol EDGE-backed Fiesta RS WRC has been designed for a new era in the World Rally Championship, which has a more cost-effective formula for 2011. The car is built by M-Sport in Cumbria and boasts four-wheel drive transmission and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, based on the new Ford EcoBoost road vehicle power plant.
Ford Fiesta RS WRC Technical Spec
Engine: Ford EcoBoost 1600cc direct injection engine developed by Ford, M-Sport and Pipo Moteurs. Four cylinders, 16 valves. Cosworth electronic engine management system. Garrett turbocharger
Fuel tank: FIA FT3.5 tank, 80 litre capacity, located centrally.
Dimensions: Length: 3963mm. Width: 1820mm. Wheelbase: 2480mm.
Maximum power:300 bhp at 6000 rpm
Maximum torque: 450 Nm at 4000 rpm
Transmission: Permanent four-wheel drive. Mechanical front and rear differentials and a clutch disconnect fitted to handbrake. M-Sport / X-Trac six-speed sequential gearbox with mechanical shift. M-Sport / AP Racing twin disc clutch.
Suspension: MacPherson struts with Reiger external dampers (front & rear)
Wheels 15x7 inch (gravel) 18x8 inch (asphalt)
Tyres: Pirelli
Electronics:Full Cosworth chassis and engine data acquisition for on-event diagnostics and performance development.
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