Ford Announces Rally-Prep Kit, Race Series for Fiesta

Rallying and hatchback cars have never been as popular in the U.S. as in Europe, but Ford hopes to change that with the Fiesta R2 rally package unveiled at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The R2 kit lets owners convert their factory Fiesta five-door into a rally-ready machine. It was developed by U.K.-based M-Sport, Ford’s official rallying partner since 1997, and debuted in Europe in March 2009.

The R2 treatment includes new pistons, connecting rods, valve springs, camshafts, fuel injectors, a louder exhaust, and a new air intake to bump the 1.6-liter engine’s output to 168 hp and 134 lb-ft of torque, versus 120 hp and 112 lb-ft in stock trim. Other components include larger brakes with AP four-piston calipers, Eibach and Reiger suspension components, a roll cage, race seats and harnesses, a limited-slip differential, a five-speed sequential transmission that permits full-throttle upshifts, and sundry other components needed for off-road racing.

There will also be a Stage 1 version of the kit for rally fans on a budget—the cars will still be eligible for the same rally series as full R2 cars, but will come with slightly less equipment. Speaking of which, Ford has yet to finalize the prices for either kit. In the U.K., the R2 kit costs ₤19,995, the equivalent of about $32K.

The kit is being distributed in the U.S. by Team O’Neil Motorsports in New Hampshire. Fiestas prepped by Team O’Neil will be eligible for the 2011 Fiesta Sport Trophy Championship, a one-make rally series organized by Rally America. (Team O’Neil also offers a Fiesta rally school for the uninitiated.) The winner of next year’s series will get a spot in a Fiesta R2 competing in the Wales Rally Great Britain and the chance to race in a shootout for a one-year placement working with M-Sport and the Ford World Rally team.