Ford RS 200

You could call it one of the most unusual cars, which, for example, would not refer to the engine. For an edition of 200 race cars (homologation to FIA gr. 2) by Ford is finally an evolved Cosworth engine nothing special. Four valves per cylinder combined with turbocharger (Garrett) are even less frequently at this time. However, if one considers the position of the engine and the way of transmission, it becomes quite odd. One can speak of a mid-engine transaxle because the in front of rear axle arranged engine the longitudinal transmits its torque through a short propeller shaft to a transmission in front behind the front axle. From this it goes to the front axle and by viscous clutch with the distribution of 37: 63 back on a second drive shaft past the engine to the rear axle. This viscous clutch can be locked and thus a 50:50 distribution can be achieved. In the final-drive are installed more viscous couplings. Advantage of this complicated structure, a smooth torque and a weight distribution of 50: 50.
This car will be built without compromise for racing or rallying. The picture above shows such a car. It is sold still (after too shortracing career) to private customers. Except the trims in the electronic engine management, the versions differ mainly in the interior.
The outer casing is formed from lightweight composite materials with the experience of an English three-wheeler manufacturer. For the design is responsible the company Ghia of Turin. The technical base is from two former constructors in Formula-1, which the group B is approaching in the performance at that time too much. Three tube frames form the framework. On axle drive is involved the English company FF Developements. In rally sports are usual two dampers per wheel, extremely long spring travels and a varied adjustable geometry. Various Ford series production parts are used in the body area, of which one will notice most the Sierra taillights. All in all the project is said to have cost about 30 million €.
The car has only little success. Except a third place in the Swedish Rally is not much left. Unfortunately there is only one season, because the FIA abolished for the next year (1987) the B group. The engine is due to heavy losses in torque in the lower speed range probably not easy to control. Some of them once again are subjected to a tuning treatment. Supposedly are concluded at 2.1 liters displacement then 650 horsepower for the participation in the Rally-Cross Championships.