The new Skoda WRC vehicle derives from the Fabia RS.
It was created as a full-fledged rallye automobile from the basic model through
extensive modification of practically all aggregates. The skeleton of the
self-supporting body, as well as the outer components, derive from the Fabia RS
model.
In order to accommodate its wider tyres and larger wheelbase on both axles, the
fenders and wheel arches have been adjusted to reach the maximum admissible
width of 1,770 mm. The floor pan was modified to allow installation of a 4WD.
The large central tunnel forms carries the rear-wheel driving shaft and the
robust heat-insulated exhaust pipe. The fuel tanks have a total capacity of 90
liters. The front windshield and the side windows are electrically heated to
ensure good visibility for the driver under all climatic conditions.
All aerodynamic elements (e.g., the front bumper, rear spoiler) have been
greatly modified, compared with the Fabia RS. Their design is subordinate to
functionality and is the result of meticulous optimization in an aerodynamic
tunnel.
The Fabia WRC is powered by an updated version of the engine used in the former
Octavia WRC vehicles. Like all competitors’ vehicles in the WRC category, it
has a four-cylinder turbocharged engine with maximum admissible displacement of
2000 cm3. The basic Škoda power unit for WRC models is the Konzern’s well-known
turbocharged 1.8-liter engine with a five-valve distributor.
The interior is strictly functional. The design of the dashboard derives from
the series version, but is made of extremely light materials. Instead of the
usual instrument panel, the Fabia WRC has a display with LED lights indicating,
when in standard mode, basic information on possible excess of the limits of
functions important for operation during a rally.