Ford has unveiled a rally car for the World Rally Championship (WRC), equipped with a 500 horsepower hybrid propulsion system. Only some details are left from the Puma, in fact the car is based on a space frame, and the engine volume of 1.6 liters for a hybrid unit is borrowed from last year’s Fiesta WRC. The Puma WRC Rally1 will be driven by the factory team M-Sport.
The Puma WRC Rally1 is the first electrified racing car in Ford’s history. The rally car is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine and a 100-kilowatt electric motor, which is powered by a 3.9-kilowatt-hour battery. The battery can be recharged using an external power source at dedicated service points between stages, with recharging taking just 25 minutes.
The rally car has an advanced aerodynamic dodger with a large rear antifender, as well as a livery in bright blue and purple. The bodywork features electric discharges, indicating the car’s electrified setup.
The novelty will make its debut on January 22 at the Monte Carlo stage which will open the season of WRC championship. Leading the M-Sport team drivers this season will be Craig Breen, Adrian Furmo and Gus Greensmith. Also joining them is nine-time FIA World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb.