2015 Skoda Fabia R5 rally car unveiled
The new Skoda Fabia supermini is set to compete in the 2015 European Rally Championship. Here's how the car will look
Skoda has had a strong presence in international rally championships since 1998, and has a string of titles to its name. Now the all new Skoda Fabia supermini has got the rally treatment. This R5 concept made its debut at the 2014 Essen Motor Show ahead of its arrival on the rally stages of Europe.
The Czech firm's last rally racer, the Fabia S2000, was extremely successful and has defended the European Rally Championship title for the last two years. The brand is hoping it can repeat these victories with the menacing Fabia R5 concept, due for homologation in mid-2015.
Typical motorsport-spec enhancements include a wider and more aerodynamic body with flared wheelarches, various air scoops and a centrally-mounted exhaust. The familiar large rear wing also features.
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In keeping with FIA regulations, the Fabia R5 will come with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with at least 265bhp, and a restricted kerbweight of 1,230kg. Power will go through a five-speed sequential manual gearbox, and the car uses MacPherson suspension struts all-round.
Skoda has also confirmed a number of its top drivers were involved in the development of the car's chassis. The firm isn't, however, planning a replacement for its Fabia vRS hot hatch in the near future.
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