Ford Escort WRC
| Escort RS Cosworth | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Europe |
| Production | 1992–1996 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Rally special |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | front engine Four-wheel drive |
| Related | Ford Sierra RS Cosworth |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1,993 cc Cosworth YBT (1992-1994) turbo I4 1,993 cc Cosworth YBP (1994-1996) turbo I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed Ferguson MT-75 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,552 mm (100.5 in) |
| Length | 4,211 mm (165.8 in) |
| Width | 1,738 mm (68.4 in) |
| Height | 1,405 mm (55.3 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,275–1,320 kg (2,811–2,910 lb) (Lux edition) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Escort RS Turbo |
| Successor | Ford Focus RS |
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a sports derivative and the 1st 2500 were rally homologation special of the fifth generation European Ford Escort. It was designed to qualify as a Group A car for the World Rally Championship, in which it competed between 1993 and 1998. It was available as a road car from 1992–96 in very limited numbers ,the smaller turbo cars were not F.I.A recognised and only the first 2500 cars made before 1st of Jan 1993 are in fact 'Homologation special versions" It was instantly recognisable due to its large "whale tail" rear spoiler. The main selling point was the Cosworth YBT engine, a highly tunable turbocharged 2-litre engine which had an output of 230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp) in standard trim. Tuning companies have achieved power outputs of over 1,000 hp. The car was widely acknowledged to have excellent handling.
Ford developed the car around the chassis and mechanicals of its spiritual predecessor, the Sierra Cosworth to accommodate the larger Cosworth engine and transmission, whilst clothing it in Escort body panels to make it resemble the standard Mk V. Designed under the guidance of Rod Mansfield and John Wheeler of Ford's SVO department, the styling was carried out during 1989, a year before the standard Escort was launched, by Stephen Harper at MGA Developments in Coventry. The spoiler was added by Frank Stephenson, who originally proposed a three-deck piece. The body tooling was created by coachbuilders Karmann at their facility in Rheine, Germany, where the cars were manufactured.
Changes were made to the engine management system and a new turbocharger was fitted. Permanent four wheel drive with a 34/66% front/rear split came courtesy of an uprated five speed gearbox as used in the Sierra Cosworth. Recaro sports seats came as a standard fitment. Later production models were available without the oversize tail spoiler although by far the majority were still ordered with it. Like its Sierra predecessor, they are commonly nicknamed "Cossie" by enthusiasts.
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