2011 Skoda Fabia R2 Rally Car Unveiled

Following the new Fabia Super 2000 rally car unveiled back in January, Czech manufacturer Skoda has today taken the wraps off another motorsport derived model. Dubbed Skoda Fabia R2, this 2011 model is, as its name suggests, poised for use in the R2 rally category.

“The car was developed, extensively tested, and prepared to its use in rallies for almost two years,” Skoda explains.

The Skoda Fabia R2 rally car is based on the series model, only that it comes with differences in its engine, undercarriage, axle kinematics, and gearbox. The 1.6-litre 16 valve engine producing 177 horsepower and 194 Nm (143 lb.ft.) of torque at 5,500 rpm, and sends power to the front wheels via a five-speed sequential transmission from Sadev.

Furthermore, the engine electronics have been handled by Magneti-Marelli and the car has received the FIA homologation last month.

“It’s great that from now on, we’re offering a rally vehicle for a wider range of customers looking for a reliable and affordable race car. Given our successful tradition and development in motor sports beyond the Czech Republic, the new Fabia R2 is just a logical result of our activities. I’m sure that the model will be as successful as the Fabia Super 2000 already is today. We are convinced that Fabia R2 will help us establishing our positions both in the field of sports as well as in business,” explains Jan Hurt, the Skoda manager for sales and marketing for the Central and Eastern European region.

Pricing for the 2011 Skoda Fabia R2 rally car was set at around EUR62,000 (around USD86,000 at the current exchange rate).