Turbocharged S2000 cars set for IRC

Perhaps controversially, most recent RRC turbocharged cars are making their way into the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), placing current top S2000 class against their RRC specced counterparts.

RRC (Regional Rally Car) machines are a bit tamer versions of latest World Rally Car specced cars, with different restrictor and less effective aero package. IRC previously allowed only S2000 cars with 2-liter atmospheric engines, with Škoda Fabia and Peugeot 207 being the top models of that era.

And speaking of Peugeot, French company recently announced the successor to 207 S2000 racer. Future Peugeot’s machine will be based on 208 and will feature 1.6 liter turbocharged engine according to FIA’s newly established R4T rules. It is currently unknown if Volkswagen will do the same with Škoda’s Fabia or perhaps Polo R is scheduled for RRC version as well.

Click on MORE for IRC’s official release.

Turbocharged S2000 cars set for IRC Super 2000 cars produced by a registered Intercontinental Rally Challenge manufacturer and powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with a 30-milimetre restrictor will be eligible for IRC points for the first time this season.

The move follows consultation with the existing IRC manufacturers, who agreed to the change of regulations. It means the new-generation Super 2000 cars, such as M-Sport’s Ford Fiesta RRC, will compete against the traditional 2.0-litre atmospheric S2000 models that have dominated the IRC since its creation in 2007.

François Ribeiro, Motorsport Development Director for Eurosport Events, said: “IRC season number six is already shaping up to be another exciting year for the series but with the regulation changes it promises to be even more thrilling.”