Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car (2010) revealed

Ford isn’t planning an ST or RS Fiesta, but this is the next best thing – the Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car. Built by M-Sport - the same team behind the WRC Focus - it’s Ford first global rally car.

The Fiesta is eligible to enter national rally championships, as well as the IRC and S2000 World Cup in 2010, and will also form the basis of Ford’s WRC effort in 2011. It will debut as a course car at next week’s Rally of Scotland, the final round of this year’s IRC.

Under the vented bonnet is a 2.0-litre (hence S2000) four-cylinder engine that produces 280bhp at a screaming 8000rpm, along with 192lb ft at 6500rpm. That power is sent through a six-speed sequential gearbox and AP clutch to all four wheels.

And to keep the wheels in contact with the ground and stop huge jumps shattering the car there’s three-way adjustable dampers with remote reservoirs. A steel roll cage also adds strength, but despite the hefty protection the Fiesta rally car tips the scales at the mandated 1200kg.

There’s also a hydraulic handbrake to help in hairpins, plus different gravel and asphalt set-ups. On the rough stuff the Fiesta has Brembo-supplied 300mm discs and four-piston monobloc callipers all round, plus 15-inch aluminium wheels, but on tarmac the front brakes are upped to 355mm and the wheels go up to 18-inch magnesium items.

Prices have yet to be announced but M-Sport plans to build 50 cars in the next 12 months.

By Ben Pulman