The 2011 Ford Fiesta rally car is build for one purpose: dominating rally races around the world.
With its turbocharged engine, advanced suspension and aerodynamic enhancements, this Fiesta variant left competitors in the dust in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and Global RallyCross Championship (GRC).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the 2011 Ford Fiesta rally car’s specs, technology, racing history and performance on rally courses worldwide. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or just love fast Fords. You’ll see why this turbocharged terror struck fear in the hearts of its rally rivals.
Aerodynamic, Turbocharged Racing Machine
Right from the start, Ford designed the 2011 Fiesta RS rally car for all-out performance. Ford’s rally team partnered with M-Sport to develop the vehicle based on the production Fiesta hatchback. Significant enhancements were made to maximize speed and handling for rally’s tight, uneven courses.
A 1.6L EcoBoost turbocharged engine generating over 300HP propelled the car from 0-60 in just over 4 seconds. The engine was paired with an Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox for rapid-fire shifts. With over 500 ft-lbs of torque on tap, this small but mighty Fiesta had seriously swift acceleration.
The suspension utilized Reiger dampers and custom springs to improve stability and absorb big hits on rough surfaces. Beefy 18-inch OZ Racing Superleggera wheels wore gravel-gripping Pirelli tires. The Fiesta’s widened fenders and body panels sliced through the air for reduced drag and downforce. Aluminum honeycomb side impact protection absorbed collision forces. Inside, a full roll cage, Recaro race seats and 6-point harnesses kept the driver safe and secure.
From its specialized aero to fortified body, the 2011 Fiesta RS rally car was engineered to conquer challenging rally stages at breakneck speeds.
Dominating the WRC With All-Wheel Drive
The 2011 season saw Ford’s rally team unleash the potent Fiesta RS in the World Rally Championship (WRC). This premiere rally series travels the globe, covering extreme gravel, dirt, snow and tarmac courses. Ford continued developing the Fiesta to meet each unique challenge.
A major upgrade that year was the addition of an all-wheel drive system. This allowed the Fiesta to put its power down more effectively on loose surfaces like gravel and snow. The MOTEC control unit managed power distribution between front and rear axles for superior traction. These enhancements made the Fiesta a force to be reckoned with in all conditions.
With drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala behind the wheel, the all-wheel drive Fiestas were nearly unstoppable. Hirvonen snagged 3rd overall in the 2011 WRC drivers championship, securing multiple podium finishes. The car took victory at the challenging Rally Sweden in wintry conditions. Ford locked down 2nd place in the WRC manufacturer’s championship, cementing itself as a top contender in the series.
Gaining Glory in Global RallyCross
Beyond the WRC, Ford rally drivers conquered another premier series with the Fiesta RS in 2011: the Global RallyCross Championship (GRC). This intense competition features high-flying jumps and door-to-door racing on mixed-surface tracks in locations across the US.
With 600HP and its superb handling, the Fiesta primed for GRC success. Ken Block and Tanner Foust piloted Fiestas fielded by Ford’s Monster World Rally Team. Their vehicles sported striking wraps featuring Block’s DC Shoes brand and Foust’s Rockstar Energy Drink sponsors.
Block etched his name in the record books by scoring the first GRC victory for Ford in the 2011 season-opener. By the season’s end, he is 2nd overall in the championship. Foust bagged several podium finishes, showing the world what the Fiesta rally car could do in the hands of Ford’s fearless drivers.
Conclusion: 2011 Ford Fiesta rally Innovator with World-Beating Performance
From dusty paths to snow-covered hairpins, the 2011 Ford Fiesta RS rally car proved it had the right stuff to outrun the competition. Its cutting-edge aerodynamics, turbocharged motor, and race-ready handling allowed Ford drivers to push it to the limit. Ford’s commitment to constant development opened the door to victories on the world’s most prestigious rally stages.
In many ways, the 2011 season was just the beginning for the Fiesta rally rocket. Ford continued evolving it into a world champion, fine-tuning its design over several more years of white-knuckle WRC and GRC racing. Its performance out of the gate made one thing clear. Green rally machine is builds to dominate.
