For most regular folks, the MG Metro 6R4 rally racing hero is pure unobtanium. A timeless classic of Group B rally racing with a peculiar V64V V6 engine forged just for winning races and manufactured in just few enough numbers to make them rare beyond most people's wildest dreams. Unless you're a multi-millionaire, chances are good you'll never even see one in person, let alone drive one out of the track. But that doesn't mean there aren't other solutions to get the same fix. Just ask Ian Oddie from the Oddified YouTube channel, and he'll set you straight.
Indeed, what appears to be another Metro 6R4 sitting before us is merely a very convincing, custom-fabricated replica forged in the image of the original rallying icon but with a truly unique and special powertrain option that, although not OEM equipment, is sure to get the job done at the drag strip. The engine in question would be a Ford Duratec ST 220 turbocharged V6 engine most famous for its use in the Ford Mondeo, the Lincoln LS, and the Jaguar S-Type. In its stock form, this motor jetted in the neighborhood of 220 horsepower, at least under the hood of your average Mondeo.
Nowadays, with aftermarket goodies like a Pulsar GTX3582 Gen 3 turbo, NGK R8 ignition coils, twin Bosch 200 fuel pumps feeding to ID 1050X injectors, and a water/methanol injection system from Devils Own Performance, this Duratec V6 is loaded to the gills with performance technology. As per the latest dyno test figures, this souped-up V6 is cranking out 569 hp and 433 lb-ft of torque while running high-octane racing gasoline and retaining its water/methanol injection. The whole shebang was then lovingly paired with an Audi transaxle and a limited-slip differential from Kaas for that little extra edge in cornering performance.
Even by the standards of the 6R4's V6 with its max power output of 410 horsepower, this Duratec is putting out some real monster power figures.If you haven't already noticed, which we're sure you have, this engine is mounted in the rear of this pocket rocket for added authenticity in the driving experience compared to the Group B rallying icon this custom build was inspired by. Every nook, cranny, and excess piece of racing body trim had to be painstakingly custom-fabricated using little more than a body kit, some masking tape, a whole bunch of automotive-grade red paint, and an artist's hand.
What results is the kind of machine that makes modern supercar owners tremble as the thing lines up at the quarter mile. Just look at what happens when a McLaren 720s tries to square up with this rally racer replica at the drag strip. We've linked it below for your viewing pleasure.
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