Drive: Newly developed turbo engine, sequential gearbox and all-wheel drive

› ŠKODA FABIA RS Rally2 features new engine based on the 2.0 TSI from EA888 engine series, delivering approx. 214 kW (289 hp)
› Sequential 5-speed transmission allows gear changes in milliseconds
› Front-rear axle separation clutch now operated hydraulically

Mladá Boleslav, 14 June 2022 – ŠKODA Motorsport has developed a new engine for the FABIA RS Rally2 and further optimised the time-proven powertrain. The FABIA RS Rally2’s 1.6-litre turbo engine is based on the 2.0 TSI from the EA888 engine series with an output of around 214 kW (289 hp). The maximum 430-Nm torque is distributed across all four wheels via a 5-speed sequential gearbox and two differentials.

The Rally2 regulations of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) stipulate a 1.6-litre turbo engine based on a production engine for vehicles in this category. When developing the powertrain for the new ŠKODA FABIA RS Rally2, ŠKODA Motorsport opted to base it on the 2.0 TSI with an integrated exhaust manifold from the EA888 engine series, which is used in the brand’s RS models, among others. Compared to the FABIA Rally2 evo engine, the newly developed four-cylinder features redesigned intake and exhaust ports, optimised pistons and combustion chambers, variable valve timing and a redesigned lubrication system for a significantly enhanced combustion process. The engineers also revised the exhaust system, which has a new turbocharger, and developed an innovative intercooler and cooling circuit with greater cooling capacity. The FABIA RS Rally2 also features new engine management software. The diameter of the air restrictor is 32 millimetres, in line with the FIA’s technical regulations for the Rally2 category. This translates to an engine output of around 214 kW (289 hp) and a maximum torque of 430 Nm.

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The sequential 5-speed transmission, specially designed for rally use, enables the driver to change gears in milliseconds using the gear stick alone. Although the FABIA RS Rally2 has a mechanical clutch, it is only used for starting, parking or when driving slowly. For optimum acceleration on tight, winding rally stages, the FABIA RS Rally2 has a relatively short gear ratio, offering a top speed of around 200 km/h.

The FABIA RS Rally2’s drive concept differs considerably from the production model, not least due to the all-wheel drive. Since the FIA’s technical regulations prohibit the use of electronic driving aids to improve traction, only mechanical differential locks on the front and rear axles are allowed; an additional centre differential is not permitted. The separating clutch between the front and rear axles, which is activated when the handbrake is applied, assists when turning into bends on the rally track. The suspension features MacPherson struts on both axles, which are designed to handle extreme loads.