Ford Escort RS Cosworth in the World Rally Championship
Manufacturer:
Ford
Category: Group A
Since 2007 until 2009
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth was developed by Ford Motorsport and was based on the fifth-generation European Ford Escort. However, it shared many components with the Sierra RS Cosworth, including its powerful turbocharged engine.
Key features of the Escort RS Cosworth included:
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine.
- Power Output: Initially around 227 bhp, but could be tuned for more power in rally specifications.
- Four-Wheel Drive: Essential for the diverse and challenging conditions of WRC stages.
- Aerodynamics: Notably included a large rear spoiler which became one of its signature features.
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth remained competitive until it was succeeded by the Ford Escort WRC in 1997, which was an evolution designed to comply with the new World Rally Car regulations introduced that year.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth teams and drivers
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth made its WRC debut in 1993. The car was driven by some of the top rally drivers of the time, including:
- Francois Delecour
- Miki Biasion
- Tommi Mäkinen
- Malcolm Wilson
- Carlos Sainz
Key Achievements
- 1993: The Escort RS Cosworth had a strong start with Francois Delecour winning the Rally of Portugal and finishing second overall in the drivers' championship.
- 1994: This was another successful year, with Delecour and Mäkinen scoring multiple podium finishes. The car’s performance was consistent, contributing to Ford's competitive standing in the manufacturers' championship.
- 1995: Carlos Sainz joined the team, bringing valuable experience and skill. He secured several podium finishes, including a win at the Rally of Monte Carlo. The Escort RS Cosworth continued to demonstrate its reliability and competitiveness.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth rally victories
The victories and podium finishes achieved by the Escort RS Cosworth solidified its place in rally history, demonstrating the car's performance, reliability, and the skill of the drivers behind the wheel.
1993 Monte Carlo Rally: François Delecour
- The Escort RS Cosworth's first major victory came at the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally. Delecour's win showcased the car's capabilities on one of the most challenging and varied terrains in rallying.
1993 Rally of Portugal: François Delecour
- Delecour secured another victory in the Rally of Portugal, reinforcing the Escort RS Cosworth's competitiveness on gravel surfaces.
1994 Acropolis Rally: François Delecour
- Delecour continued his success with a win at the Acropolis Rally, a grueling event known for its rough and rocky stages.
1994 Tour de Corse (Rallye de France): Didier Auriol
- Although primarily associated with Toyota, Auriol drove the Escort RS Cosworth to victory in Corsica, highlighting the car's versatility on tarmac.
1994 Rally of Portugal: Carlos Sainz
- Sainz, one of the top drivers of the era, claimed a victory in Portugal, demonstrating the Escort RS Cosworth's ongoing development and performance.
1994 Rally New Zealand: Juha Kankkunen
- Kankkunen, a multiple world champion, drove the Escort RS Cosworth to a win in New Zealand, adding to the car's international success.
Additional podium finishes of Ford Escort RS Cosworth
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth also achieved numerous podium finishes throughout its WRC career, contributing to Ford's standings in the manufacturer's championship and maintaining its status as a competitive rally car during its tenure.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth technical specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 1992-1996 |
| Engine | 2.0L Inline-4, Turbocharged (Cosworth YBT) |
| Power Output | 224 hp (167 kW) at 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 304 Nm (224 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Suspension (Front) | MacPherson strut |
| Suspension (Rear) | Beam axle with trailing arms and coil springs |
| Brakes (Front) | Ventilated discs |
| Brakes (Rear) | Discs |
| Weight | 1,275 kg (2,811 lbs) |
| Top Speed | Approximately 144 mph (232 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | Approximately 5.7 seconds |
| Wheelbase | 2,522 mm (99.3 in) |
| Length | 4,209 mm (165.7 in) |
| Width | 1,752 mm (68.9 in) |
| Height | 1,385 mm (54.5 in) |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 liters (14.5 gallons) |
Engine and Performance
- Engine Type: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (Cosworth YBT)
- Displacement: 1993 cc (2.0 liters)
- Bore x Stroke: 90.8 mm x 77 mm
- Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
- Power Output: 227 hp (169 kW) at 6250 rpm (street version), rally versions had significantly more power depending on tuning and regulations
- Torque: 304 Nm (224 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm
Transmission
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Differentials: Viscous coupled center differential, with limited-slip front and rear differentials
Suspension and Brakes
- Front Suspension: MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar
- Rear Suspension: Beam axle with trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
- Brakes (Front): Vented disc brakes
- Brakes (Rear): Solid disc brakes
Dimensions
- Length: 4212 mm (165.8 in)
- Width: 1735 mm (68.3 in)
- Height: 1390 mm (54.7 in)
- Wheelbase: 2578 mm (101.5 in)
- Track (Front/Rear): 1472 mm / 1470 mm (57.9 in / 57.9 in)
- Weight: Approximately 1275 kg (2811 lbs)
Wheels and Tires
- Tires: 225/45ZR16
- Wheels: 16-inch alloy wheels
Performance Metrics
- 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h): Approximately 5.7 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 143 mph (230 km/h)
Special Features
- Aerodynamics: Notable for its large rear wing and front splitter, designed for enhanced downforce and stability
- Body: Based on the Ford Escort MkV, but extensively modified for performance and rally use
- Homologation: Developed to meet Group A homologation requirements for the World Rally Championship
