Technical information

De nieuwe Fiesta R2 is geïntroduceerd tijdens de 2009 WRC Rally van Sardinië en is de opvolger van de internationaal succesvolle groep N Fiesta ST. Evenals de Fiesta ST is de nieuwe R2 een potentiële winnaar in de klasse hoewel deze auto een stukje verder is doorontwikkeld is dan de groep N Fiesta.

Chris William, de engineer verantwoordelijk bij M-Sport voor de ontwikkeling van de R2, verteld; "In tegenstelling tot de groep N Fiesta ST konden we binnen de R2 reglementen bij deze nieuwe Fiesta allerlei componenten toepassen die we al op de plank hebben liggen om zo een competitieve auto neer te zetten."

De B299 Fiesta is de eerste echt mondiale van Ford zodat de Fiesta R2 een welkome aanvulling is in de rallysport wereldwijd.

MOTOR

De motor is een 1.6 Zetec 16V 1598cc Ti-VCT met 4 cilinders in lijn, DOHC, 16 kleppen, aluminium cilinder kop en blok met variabele kleptiming. Het carter is aangepast en de auto heeft een speciaal ontworpen motor ophanging gelast aan de auto. "De ophanging aan de rechterkant is gefreesd aluminium terwijl aan de linkerkant de ophang punten in de versnellingsbak behuizing zijn verwerkt waardoor het geheel lichter, sterker en goedkoper is geworden" aldus Williams

De ombouw kit voor de motor bestaat uit zuigers, drijfstangen, nokkenas, klepveren, injectoren, air-box, luchtfilter, bougie's en een carter kit. De motor levert 163PK bij 7,500 tpm en een koppel van 183 Nm bij 5,700 tpm.

OPHANGING

De ophanging bestaat uit verstelbare schokdempers van Reiger met Eibach veren. De voor dempers zijn verstelbaar voor bump en rebound. Rijders kunnen de geometrie van de auto verstellen door middel van camber plaatjes, een vergelijkbaar system met de Ford Focus WRC. De achteras is van een standaard auto met aangepaste bevestigingen.

The R2 has a two-bolt clamped front upright rather than the spigot fit of the Fiesta ST. Williams explained, "The R2 will have an adaptor pin securely mounted in the upright and a spherical bearing connecting the lower arm, as opposed to a ball joint. We use standard uprights and, to increase the safety margin and clamping force, we will use a five stud hub rather than four stud."

BRAKES

The standard front brake callipers have been removed and replaced with lightweight four piston competition callipers. The servo has been removed to give improved pedal feel. The Group R regulations mean that the brake lines can be simplified to a standard H-pattern with a bias valve adjuster rather than the dual circuit and pattern of the Fiesta ST. The AP brake discs are 285mm (gravel) and 310mm (Tarmac) and they share a common calliper.

The standard drum brakes have been removed and replaced with Ford Focus derived AP rear discs (280mm) and single piston callipers. An upright hydraulic handbrake is included in the standard kit, not as an option this time around.

BODYSHELL

Unlike Group N regulations, the R2 rules permit the removal of superfluous panels and brackets. "This allows a considerable weight saving," explained Williams. "We expect to be bang on the class weight of 1030kg, which is a good saving when compared with the Fiesta ST." Jacking points are included and seam welding is permitted on the bodyshell.

ROLLCAGE

"We're using a T45 multipoint rollcage, which is lighter and considerably stiffer than the Fiesta ST rollcage. The door bars are the same size, design and material as currently used in the Ford Focus RS WRC, which is an improved safety feature," said Williams. The rollcage picks up on suspension points, the seat position is optimised and an integrated dash bar has been incorporated to create additional strength. 35 meters of T45 is used to build the rollcage, which will be supplied in kit form and must be fitted by an ASN approved centre.

BODY PROTECTION

"The R2 sumpguard is lighter and stiffer than the one used in the Fiesta ST. The composite tankguard - a positive feature on the ST - has been carried over into the R2 design," explained Williams.

TRANSMISSION

The R2 employs a five speed sequential gearbox developed by Sadev with plated limited slip differential and uprated driveshafts. A bespoke gearbox casing has been developed specifically for the Fiesta R2. The gear linkage is very simple, running a straight rod with spherical joints. "The driveshafts have been uprated throughout. The tripod design has been carried over from the series production car and is significantly bigger than that used in the Fiesta ST, thereby increasing the strength of the R2," said Williams. The clutch has been uprated and the Pi Research engineered ECU has a flat shift feature with full throttle closed loop control shift.

EXHAUST SYSTEM AND MANIFOLD

The stainless steel exhaust system and manifold is TIG welded and manufactured by Pankl. A FIA homologated catalyst is included in the system, which is designed to comply with a work limit of 98 dBa at 4,500 rpm.

INTERIOR

Sparco ADV seats with side-impact head restraints are included in the R2 standard kit, with six-point Sparco seatbelts and quick release buckles. "Replacement door cards will also come as standard and have been specifically designed to be lightweight and to fit with the rollcage," concluded Williams.

ELECTRICAL

The R2 has an overlay loom for all auxiliary controls. It also features a Ford Power button to start car and an electrical fire system.