The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally has officially made its debut, following a teaser previewed in July at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This rallycross-inspired version of the Mustang expands the capabilities of the electric crossover SUV, venturing off the traditional tarmac and into more rugged terrain.
A single glance at the Mustang Mach-E Rally is enough to see that it stands apart from the rest of the Mustang Mach-E lineup. It showcases distinctive features that set it apart in terms of aesthetics and performance.
Lancia and the Martini Racing Team are prominently embedded in the history of the World Rally Championship (WRC), especially during that glorious period of the Group B super rallycars. The Italian cars, with the blue, light blue and red stripes, are just as well remembered as the Audi Quattro and Peugeot 205 Turbo.
Of the many rallies the team entered, it was during 1983 when the refined strategy and brilliance of team boss Cesare Fiorio beat Audi to take the first WRC title with the 037. It inspired the Martini Racing Team to continue competing with determination over the next 10 years. The 037 was succeeded by first the S4, and then the Delta Integrali which won another 6 world titles.
While Skoda does not compete in the top class of the World Rally Championship, it has been very successful in other segments of the Rally Pyramid, notably in the WRC2 category. Its FABIA is among the most successful rallycars in the world with the rally versions – FABIA Rally2 and FABIA Rally2 evo – having dominated the category from 2015 to 2022. The more than 450 units built by Skoda Motorsport collected 1,710 victories by April 2022, including 4 victories in the legendary Monte Carlo Rally.
Newly developed engine
When it was time to move on to a new generation, the development team at Skoda Motorsport has much experience to draw upon. With the new FABIA RS Rally2, customer teams will have a much more competitive car with a new engine, improved handling, better electronics and enhanced safety features. The new engine is a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit based on the 2.0 TSI from the Volkswagen Group EA888 engine family (used in the RS models).
The output of 289 bhp/430 Nm goes to all four wheels via a sequential 5-speed transmission. Although there is a mechanical clutch, it is only used for starting, parking or when driving slowly. For optimum acceleration on tight, winding rally stages, the FABIA RS Rally2 has a relatively short gear ratio, offering a top speed of around 200 km/h.
To prepare the new FABIA RS Rally2 for action on the rally track, test-drivers subjected prototypes to extensive tests on asphalt, gravel and snow for almost a year. This included trials in the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Croatia, Germany, Belgium and Spain, as well as under extreme winter conditions in northern Finland since mid-2021.
The gruelling test programme validated the special braking system and precisely balanced chassis. In addition, the electronics and controls were also tested to meet the demanding conditions during a rally. Also tested was the special 82.5-litre fuel tank and shock-resistant rubber which meets the FIA’s regulations. Additional protection is provided by a carbon/kevlar composite cover and an absorbent layer on the underside.
Sustainable fuel requirement
Throughout the 2022 season, 100% sustainable petrol will be used by competing cars in the WRC. This is based on modern raw materials and high-purity renewable components. The bio-fuels are derived from biological waste and synthetic e fuels. These are produced using renewable energies that enable electrolysis from ‘green’ hydrogen as well as CO2, which is extracted from the air and industrial processes. The 100% renewable petrol is then mixed in a laboratory without any fossil-fuel components.
Some of the components used in rally vehicles differ significantly from their counterparts in production vehicles. Instead of having up to nine airbags and numerous electronic assistance systems like those found in the production FABIA, the new FABIA RS Rally2 relies purely on mechanics in many aspects. It also features specialised components, such as a roll cage and specially protected fuel tank.
Also unlike the production version sold to the public, the rally version only uses sensors for engine management and displaying the brake pressure, steering wheel position and fuel. The sensors merely provide information; with the production model, they perform any control functions. Only the engine control unit uses sensor data to ensure that it functions optimally in all driving modes and various weather conditions.
In a rallycar, the brake system can save valuable tenths of a second in the fight against the clock. The stronger the deceleration, the later the drivers can brake into a bend. In hard braking manoeuvres, the brake discs easily reach temperatures of more than 700 degrees C. To ensure efficient cooling at all times, the FABIA RS Rally2’s brake discs are internally ventilated, and an optimised brake cooling system is also available for gravel and asphalt stages.
Protecting the crew
Skoda Motorsport engineers have developed a roll-cage which has a total of 35.8 metres of high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel tubing and is welded to the chassis during body construction. The side panels and roof are then mounted over it. This procedure allows for even greater manufacturing precision, as well as a better fit and connection to the body.
The chassis is also engineered to meet the extreme demands of rallying. Compared to the previous model, the suspension stroke of the dampers is now longer and the MacPherson struts are stiffer. In addition, friction in the dampers is reduced. The longer wheelbase also prompted the development of new suspension kinematics.
More downforce generated
Paying attention to detail, the designers managed to almost double the downforce compared to its predecessor – an enormous advantage on the track, as greater downforce facilitates higher cornering speeds. For regulatory reasons, there are no active aerodynamic parts such as the radiator louvre from the production FABIA.
The same air curtains as in the front bumpers of the production car guide the airstream closely and aerodynamically over the body and wheels. They increase the downforce in combination with new side skirts, which prevent air from flowing underneath from the side. Incorporating a front splitter across the entire lower edge of the front bumper, they ensure optimum aerodynamic efficiency at the front.
Several aerodynamic components have been specially developed for the FABIA RS Rally2. In addition to the wider front and rear fenders, the newly developed rear wing increases the downforce. A small spoiler lip, the so-called Gurney flap, serves as a tear-off edge and also improves the downforce. The airflow over the roof is optimised thanks to a centrally positioned air scoop, which simultaneously supplies fresh air to the cockpit.
Support for customer teams
Skoda Motorsport has been supporting numerous customer teams in international rallying since 2020. The teams receive support that includes a comprehensive supply of spare parts and technical support, even at events. Additionally, Skoda Motorsports offers revision work on engines, transmissions and chassis components. Teams taking part in the WRC can also using Skoda Motorsport’s support truck equipped with an array of spare parts. It is available at selected WRC rounds and certain events in the European Rally Championship.
David Richards, who started Prodrive as a motorsport and automotive engineering firm in 1984, is very familiar with motorsports. While he has been involved in various roles in the sport – including being co-driver with Ari Vatanen when they won the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1981 – his company is probably best known for its involvement with the Subaru rally team. The 18-year association through the 1990s to 2008 was one of the most successful partnerships in the sport.
It’s no surprise then that the Subaru Impreza holds a special place in Richards’ heart and Prodrive has created its own car called the P25 which takes inspiration from the 22B version, arguably the most iconic Impreza.
“The original 22B Impreza is considered the most iconic of Subarus and highly sought after. We wanted to enhance everything that made that car so special by applying the very latest technology to create our own modern interpretation of a car that’s established a place in motoring history,” said Richards who presented the car today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
It’s been 25 years since Prodrive debuted the 2-door Impreza World Rallycar as a special edition. Only 424 of these road-legal cars were manufactured. Over time, it has achieved cult status as the ultimate turbocharged 4-wheel drive car of its era.
The original Subaru Impreze 22B in 1998.
Peter Stevens, who styled the original Impreza WRC in 1997, as well as subsequent Prodrive limited edition Subarus, has restyled a number of features of the P25. Also on the team was technical director, David Lapworth, who was responsible for developing the first Impreza WRC 25 years ago.
Now, using the latest technology and materials, Prodrive has reimagined what this car would be like in 2022. Just 25 cars will be produced, each with an original 2-door Impreza WRX chassis at its core. This is the very same chassis used in the first Impreza WRC but now with reduced weight, a more powerful engine and improved vehicle dynamics.
Reduced weight
Extensive use of carbon composite means the car weighs less than 1200 kgs. Under the bonnet is the latest 2.5-litre flat four ‘boxer’ engine producing over 400 bhp/600 Nm, combined with a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox, WRC-derived launch control and turbo anti-lag. Prodrive’s own tests show that it can reach 100 km/h from standstill in under 3.5 seconds.
Weight has been removed from the chassis by manufacturing the boot, bonnet, roof, sills, door mirrors, front and rear quarters. The WRC-style rear wing and bumpers are from carbon composite while inside, there are optional lightweight racing seats with carbonfibre door cards and a lithium-ion battery.
The engine is based on Subaru’s latest 2.5-litre cylinder block but has been totally re-engineered by Prodrive’s powertrain team with bespoke internal components. These include new cylinder liners, pistons, conrods, and a valvetrain with variable cam timing. A Garrett motorsport turbocharger has been chosen and has a high performance intercooler and airbox, with an Akrapovic titanium and stainless steel racing exhaust system.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox with helical cut gears and semi-automatic shift via a paddle on the steering column, giving precise gear changes in 80 milliseconds. The car has a WRC-style launch control system, which combines the fly-by-wire throttle and clutch in the floor mounted pedal box to automatically take the car through first, second and third gear to achieve the optimal acceleration from standstill without any driver intervention.
Power goes to all four wheels via a drivetrain with an adjustable active centre differential and limited-slip differentials front and rear. McPherson strut suspension has been retained but with machined aluminium uprights which can be tuned for camber and geometry optimised for the wider track. The Bilstein dampers are adjustable for compression and rebound while the springs and anti-roll bars optimise the tarmac handling.
Stopping power is provided by AP Racing brakes with 6-piston calipers at the front and 4-piston calipers at the rear. Prodrive’s own 8.5 x 19 rims are fitted and standard tyres are Bridgestone Potenza 235/35 which are matched to the dampers.
Modern features in 1990s cabin
In the cabin, the dashboard has a full width high-definition multi-page display, including a data logger. For those wishing to take the car on track, the driver can select from various throttle response and engine performance maps, including anti-lag adjustment. There is also a WRC-style ‘fly-off’ hydraulic handbrake which automatically disengages the centre differential to remove drive to the rear wheels. This is in addition to the standard electric parking brake.
While Prodrive’s focus has been on the driving experience, the interior has also been upgraded. There’s an authentic late 1990s Impreza interior with a mix of leather, Alcantara and carbon trim. The P25 can carry four passengers, but there is also the option to remove the rear seats and have a partial safety cage fitted.
The successful Subaru team cars in the World Rally Championship were prepared and run by Prodrive over an 18-year period.
Paying home to the Impreza roots
“The iconic blue Subarus bring back memories of an extraordinary era of the WRC and it was the Impreza 22B that brought this rallycar performance to the road. By reimagining this car using the latest technologies and materials, the Prodrive P25 pays homage to its roots and there will be little else able to match its performance on the open road. I therefore believe we have achieved our vision of creating our own modern interpretation of the most iconic Subaru Impreza ever,” declared Richards.
The P25 which ran at Goodwood today is the first development car and will be used for an extensive test and development programme. The 25 production cars will each be priced from £460,000 (around RM2.48 million), with the first being delivered to customers later this year.
Just as the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship will see the biggest changes in technical rules in some four decades, the 50th season of the World Rally Championship (WRC) will undergo major environmental changes as new FIA technical regulations drive the series towards a more sustainable future.
Under its PurposeDriven movement, the FIA is taking an innovation-led approach to deliver sustainable motorsport. One goal is to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. An even bigger revolution concerns the drivetrain, with hybrid technology mandatory for what are known as Rally1 cars. The plug-in hybrid unit, including all necessary components and software, will be common, with the potential for more freedom of development in 2024.
In the WRC’s first-ever rallycars with hybrid powertrains, an electric motor works together with the proven 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Rally1 cars will have up to 134 ps of additional power available in certain situations.
The unique Rally1 hybrid system has three principal modes: Full Electric Mode in which cars will have full electric range, Stage Start Mode when the system’s full power will be available, and Stage Mode in which teams and drivers will be able to create up to three personalised ‘maps’ to decide how to deploy the hybrid power. The system also provides the opportunity to reduce emissions locally via full electric driving on road sections in built-up areas.
Fundamental revisions to the technical regulations also see the top-tier Rally1 class for manufacturer teams bringing a substantial gain in crew safety with an upgraded safety cell chassis. There will also be more equality between competitors due to a new design approach.
Another milestone is the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel, a first for any FIA World Championship. Part of the FIA’s race-to-road strategy is to implement sustainable energy sources across its motorsport disciplines to reduce CO₂ emissions.
The renewable fuel from P1 Racing Fuels is a blend of synthetic and bio-derived components. This green fuel will be mandatory to all top-tier competitors at WRC events. In its development, P1 Racing Fuels will collaborate with global energy and chemical experts Aramco on the formulation of advanced-generation biofuels and sustainable synthetic fuels derived from captured CO2 and low-carbon hydrogen.
Fundamental revisions to the technical regulations also see the top-tier Rally1 class for manufacturer teams bringing a substantial gain in crew safety with an upgraded safety cell chassis. There will also be more equality between competitors due to a new design approach.
Introducing hybrid powertrains has been a key part in ensuring Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport Ford are fully committed to the WRC from 2022 to 2024. All three teams have been testing their new cars which will debut in competition at the Rallye Monte-Carlo, the opening round of the 2022 season, next week.
(Above and below) Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
The new generation of Rally1 cars from the 3 manufacturers were shown together for the first time in Austria yesterday at a special ceremony that marked the beginning of a new era in rallying. In the presence of new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, reigning champions TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Hyundai Motorsport and M-Sport Ford unveiled their all-new rallycars which will compete across 13 rounds on 4 continents.
(Above and below) Hyundai i20 N Rally1
(Above and below) M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1
“Today’s launch of the new Rally1 era is a very proud and significant moment for the FIA and entire rally family and I would like to congratulate WRC Promoter for delivering a great show at the start of the championship’s 50th anniversary season,” said Ben Sulayem, a former WRC competitor himself. “The enthusiasm for the FIA’s new technical regulations has been very much in evidence in recent months and the event further underlined the momentum coming from the teams and manufacturers, with Rallye Monte-Carlo just a few days away.”
Complementing its electrification plans, Skoda is also starting development of a fully electric rallycar which will be used in FIA-sanctioned events. Based on a Fabia Rally2 evo bodyshell, the rallycar has been homologated by the Austrian Motorsport Federation which allows it to enter the Austrian Rally Championship from this month.
In partnership with Kreisel Electric
The project was initiated when Kreisel Electric, supplier of the mandatory hybrid technology of the generation 2022 World Rally Cars for the World Rally Championship (WRC), looked for partners to develop a fully electric rallycar. Skoda Motorsport saw this as an interesting opportunity, especially as it has the most successful car of the Rally2 category with more than 400 units sold.
Skoda Fabia Rally 2 evo rallycar in action at the Monte Carlo Rally earlier this year.
Mechanical elements similar to the Faboa Rally2 evo
The electric rallycar known as the RE-X1 Kreisel sits on an updated a FABIA Rally2 evo chassis fitted with Kreisel’s electric powertrain and innovative battery technology. The Kreisel Electric engineered e-motor delivers peak power of 260 kW (191 ps) and 600 Nm, compared to 157 ps/425 Nm of the current Fabia Rally2 evo with a standard 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The other mechanical elements are largely similar to the Fabia Rally2 evo rallycar with some modifications.
Some of the modifications include alterations to the suspension and to engineer the bodyshell floor to install the battery pack. The Kreisel high-performance lithium-ion 860V battery pack has a capacity of 52.5 kWh. For optimum performance, the battery block is mounted as low as possible in the chassis and liquid-cooled by Shell E-Fluids.
Kreisel lithium-ion battery pack architecture.
“The Skoda RE-X1 Kreisel is an exciting combination of traditional and future-orientated technology. We provided our best experience, based on developing already three generations of the rally-going Skoda Fabia,” said Michal Hrabanek, Head of Skoda Motorsport. “The rallycar offers all the set-up possibilities of the latest generation Skoda FABIA Rally2 evo, but with a fully electric powertrain and I really believe rally fans will find such a combination truly interesting.”
Development with FIA-sanctioned events in mind
The first chassis built by Skoda Motorsport is in asphalt spec. But Baumschlager Rallye & Racing, the project’s partner for the testing program and future competition activities, has already started to put the RE-X1 Kreisel through its paces on gravel as well.
Skoda Motorsport intends to develop the rallycar to be ready for future entries into FIA-sanctioned rallies. It is closely involved with Kreisel Electric, providing further know-how and technical consultation during the ongoing development process.
