Autosportfoto

New Ford Fiesta R2 revealed

Development on the new Ford Fiesta R2 is in full swing as M-Sport prepare to launch a new evolution towards the end of the first quarter of 2015.

Launched in 2009, the Fiesta R2 is considered to be M-Sport's first global rally car and has secured numerous successes around the globe. The latest evolution looks to build on that success with upgrades to the suspension, brake and transmission systems.

The most significant upgrade however comes with a new 1.0 litre engine. Working closely with the Ford Motor Company, M-Sport's engineers have harnessed the power and performance of Ford's Ecoboost technology.

Drawing on Ford's engineering expertise, the 1.0 litre Ecoboost engine is a triple winner of the prestigious International Engine of the year award in 2012, 2013 and 2014. This remarkable engine powers the road-going Ford Fiesta as well as many other models in Ford's range of road cars and light commercial vehicles and will provide the new Fiesta R2 with a step-up in performance.

The first development tests began in earnest at the end of 2014 with encouraging results for the team's dedicated team of designers and engineers. Most recently, Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy (DDFT) champion, Sander Pärn, put the new evolution through its paces at M-Sport's private test facility at Greystoke Forest.

The model will be on display at this week's Autosport International Show in the United Kingdom and is due to make its competitive debut as part of the 2015 DDFT in May.

The series provides a cost-effective platform for upcoming drivers to experience the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) - competitors piloting identical Ford Fiesta R2s on five select rounds of the WRC (Portugal, Poland, Finland, Germany and Spain). The Trophy also offers the most sought-after prize in motorsport with the victor securing seven WRC 2 rounds with a Drive DMACK Ford Fiesta R5 the following season.

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:

"The initial tests have been very encouraging and we will continue with the development over the next few months. The Ford Fiesta R2 was one of our most successful models and the new evolution looks to provide an improvement in almost all areas of the car. Thanks to our continued support from Ford, the new 1.0 litre engine will provide a good step in performance and I am looking forward to seeing it in competition."

Head of Ford Racing in Europe, Gerard Quinn, said:

"As we continue our partnership with M-Sport it is great to see the latest Ford technology competing at rallying's highest level. As a triple winner of the prestigious International Engine of the year award, the 1.0 litre Ecoboost engine is one of Ford's most remarkable developments and it is a pleasure to see the technology translated in M-Sport's competition cars."

Sander Pärn, said:

"As soon as I got behind the wheel of the new Fiesta I could feel the improvements throughout the car. There are a lot of small upgrades in every area and there is no doubt in my mind that this will provide a step forward overall. The Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy competitors are certainly going to have a lot of fun with this car - the turbo engine makes it a lot of fun to drive and the noise it makes is incredible!"