Design and Aerodynamics: Production model offers the perfect basis

› FABIA RS Rally2 benefits from the fourth-generation FABIA’s best-in-class aerodynamics
› Downforce almost doubled compared to predecessor model
› Emotive design language; paint finish in the RS colour Mamba Green

Mladá Boleslav, 14 June 2022 – The new ŠKODA FABIA RS Rally2 brings the emotive design language of the fourth-generation FABIA to the international racing tracks. The new rally vehicle benefits from the production model’s aerodynamics. ŠKODA Motorsport developed a highly efficient aerodynamic package based on the FABIA’s best-in-class drag coefficient. As a result, the new FABIA RS Rally2 generates almost twice as much downforce as its predecessor. ŠKODA Motorsport’s new Mamba Green paintwork ties in with the sporty RS series models OCTAVIA RS and ENYAQ COUPÉ RS iV.

The new FABIA RS Rally2 rally model translates the fourth-generation FABIA’s design language to the world of motorsport. In addition to the longer roof spoiler with lateral finlets, the rally model also features the production vehicle’s flat, sharply contoured front headlights that extend right up to the large, hexagonal ŠKODA grille. The front and rear lights set visual accents with LED technology. The Rally FABIA also differs from its production counterpart with significantly wider front and rear wings and numerous air outlets on the body. The Mamba Green paintwork references ŠKODA’s RS family, echoing the OCTAVIA RS and the ENYAQ COUPÉ RS iV.

The production version of the ŠKODA FABIA has the best drag coefficient in its class. The experts at ŠKODA Motorsport used this perfect foundation to develop the aerodynamics package for the FABIA RS Rally2. Paying meticulous attention to detail, the team managed to almost double the downforce compared to its predecessor – an enormous advantage on the track, as greater downforce facilitates higher cornering speeds. For regulatory reasons, the engineers did not include active aerodynamic parts such as the radiator louvre from the production FABIA.

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„Some aerodynamic elements from the production model have also proven their worth in the rally car. With this model, we have paid more attention to the aerodynamics than we did with its predecessor, and we’ve closely examined every detail. Our goal: Greater downforce for higher cornering speeds and improved handling, while at the same time increasing the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.“

Lukáš Vojík, an aerodynamics specialist from Technical Development at ŠKODA AUTO,

The air curtains in the front bumpers of the production FABIA guide the airstream closely and aerodynamically over the body and wheels. These are also used in the FABIA RS Rally2. They increase the downforce in combination with new side skirts, which prevent air from flowing under the vehicle from the side. Incorporating a front splitter across the entire lower edge of the front bumper, they ensure optimum aerodynamic efficiency at the front. The splitter also reduces the amount of air flowing under the vehicle, thus ensuring faster airflow and lower pressure under the vehicle, which increases the downforce.

Several aerodynamic components have been specially developed for the FABIA RS Rally2. In addition to the wider front and rear fenders, the newly developed rear wing increases the downforce. The dimensions and position comply with the regulations for the vehicle’s width and height. A small spoiler lip, the so-called Gurney flap, serves as a tear-off edge and also improves the downforce. The airflow over the roof is optimised thanks to a centrally positioned air scoop, which simultaneously supplies fresh air to the cockpit. On a production model, this air intake is located below the windscreen, but on rally cars, this area is very susceptible to dust or water.

The engine and brakes require more cooling air during racing. This is supplied via special aerodynamic components in the FABIA RS Rally2. Two large, central air inlets at the front allow fresh air for the radiator to be directed to the upper section of the engine compartment and to the turbocharger intercooler, which is positioned lower down. Openings on both sides of the bonnet vent the hot air. In addition, cooling air flows directly onto the front brake callipers via two inlets in the front apron and small ventilation pipes.

Downforce values practically doubled

Aerodynamic components typical of a rally car

Cooling air for engine and brakes

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