Ford->ke31 launched its Fiesta->ke1170 R2 program back in 2010 to help young and inexperienced drivers learn the ropes of rally racing and move their way up the ladder in the sport. From the R2, the ladder moves drivers up to the Fiesta R5 and later up to the RS WRC, but they must first master this lower-powered rig, and dominate all the other drivers that Ford is testing. For the 2015 racing season, Ford has launched a new Fiesta R2, and it debuted the model at the Geneva Auto Show.->ke228

This new subcompact rally rig features Ford’s award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, but its wick is turned up beyond its standard 123-horsepower mark. This small-displacement, "relatively" low-powered engine is a great jumping-off point for up-and-coming rally drivers, as it helps them focus on controlling the car rather than reining in a super-powerful engine.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Ford Fiesta R2.

Exterior

With exception of the rally-spec wheels and tires and the livery, the 2015 Fiesta R2 looks very similar to your everyday Fiesta. Other almost unnoticeable changes to the exterior include the addition of an “R2” badge on the new mesh front grille, a small splitter in the center of the front bumper, a slightly revised rear bumper insert, and hood and hatch pins.

The similarities between this rally prepped model and the road-going version are uncanny, but this may be a ploy to help sell more Fiestas. People tend to enjoy seeing their daily driver tearing up a racetrack, and making it look so close to the road-ready model can only help enhance that.

Interior

Ford didn’t release any images of the R2’s cabin, nor did it reveal any info on it. In one image, however, I can see through the window, and in that image I can make out a pair of Sparco racing seats, four-point harnesses and a full roll cage. I am also fairly certain that the dashboard will be stripped down to just a few important gauges, while all of the carpeting and interior plastics will be ripped out too.

Drivetrain

Ford didn’t provide much about the engine and drivetrain, but it did pass on a few bits of information. First and foremost, this is the first time that the 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder has been homologated into the sport. In its rally spec, this engine produces 168 horsepower – that accounts for a 45-horsepower boost over the production model.

This engine replaces the 1.6-liter Zetec engine in the previous Fiesta R2. That engine produced 161 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque.

There is no mention of transmission or drivetrain, but I think it is safe to assume that this rally rig will feature a sequential transmission of some sort that drives the front wheels.

Helping it handle the insanity that is the rally circuit are a rally-spec suspension and brakes.

Prices

Ford has yet to release pricing on the 2015 Fiesta R2.

Competition

The Fiesta R2 will compete only in one-make races, where it will battle only other Fiesta R2 cars. The winner of the DMACK Fiesta Trophy in 2015 will get the opportunity to move on to the Fiesta R5 in WRC 2.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, this is little more than a retooled Fiesta with a little more power, some safety goodies, and less weight. Given its purpose is to find the best untested driver for promotion into Ford’s more advanced racing series, it makes sense. Maybe Ford will get ambitious and create a tuned 1.0-liter for the production Fiesta, but I wouldn't hold your breath.