Ford Fiesta gets prepped for 2017 WRC challenge

Following the unveiling of the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Ford has followed suit by revealing their contender for the World Rally Championship with the all-new Fiesta. Built by M-Sport, the Fiesta WRC is built to conform to the new rules of the series which sees more aerodynamic upgrades and more power.

According to M-Sport, Ford's primary team for WRC, the car is 95% developed from scratch. Before the reveal, the Fiesta had undergone over 6,000 kilometers in testing, pushing the limits of its reliability. Apart from the new body, the 2017 Fiesta WRC comes with a more aggressive aerodynamic package with integrated cannards, wider fenders, a larger rear wing and a wider stance compared to the outgoing model.

2017 rules also sees the horsepower cap rising to 380 PS. Engine specifications have yet to be revealed but it is likely that it will be based on the 1.6 liter turbocharged mill from seasons past. Aiding traction will be a center differential that allows a greater torque split between the front and rear wheels.

"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. No expense has been spared, and we start the 2017 season with one goal in mind – returning to the top step of the podium,” said Malcolm Wilson, team owner of M-Sport.