2017 World Rally Car plans revealed

Deciding how cars that compete in the World Rally Championship should look is a tricky business. To provide a dramatic sporting spectacle they need to appear purposeful, yet the manufacturers’ marketing people will still demand some visual similarities to their showroom models.

The latest homologation regulations mark a clear shift towards the first of those requirements. They have just been approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council and are due to apply from 2017 onwards.

Bodywork changes focus on a defined ‘free zone’. This permits front and rear overhangs that can be longer by 60 mm (2.4”) and 30 mm (1.2”) respectively, bigger door sills and additional aerodynamic elements ahead of the front wheels.

World Rally Car Concept 2017 (Rendering) Front Side

A larger fixed rear wing plus more design freedom for the rear diffuser are also part of package. Overall width is to be limited to 1,875 mm (73.8”), while the car’s length must be at least 3,900 mm (153.5”).

Better performance is promised by a 25 kg (55 lbs) weight reduction combined with a power rise to around 375 bhp (280 kW / 380 PS).

Key to achieving the latter is an increase in the turbo restrictor’s diameter from 33 mm (1.3”) to 36 mm (1.4”). The 1.6 litre engine capacity and 2.5 bar turbo boost pressure limit are unaltered.

Just as importantly, currently homologated cars will remain eligible to compete in the WRC beyond 2017. That could give an opportunity for more privateer teams to enter the series.

Related posts:
Revisions for the Citroën DS3 WRC 2015
Toyota’s WRC plans confirmed

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