The governing council of the world motorsport regulator, the FIA, has announced new engine rules for the World Rally Championship in 2017.
The new regulations will see engine power increased to 385ps, with a 25kg drop in minimum weight. The cars currently run a 1.6-liter turbo four restricted to 304ps, but the new figures will bring WRC engines in line with the World Touring Car Championship rules.
Other tweaks include an increase in turbo restrictor diameter from 33mm to 36mm; maximum turbo pressure will remain at 2.5 bar absolute.
The rule changes are aimed at making rally cars more dramatic and individually distinctive, says the FIA, with other changes to the aerodynamics allowing more aggressive designs. FIA rally director, Jarmo Mahonen, said, “The cars will look dramatic and have more character. Seeing one of these cars in action will really set the heart racing and that’s exactly what was intended.”
The outline changes have been announced, and the FIA is expected to release more detailed technical specifications and homologation requirements soon. Toyota has already announced its return to the sport to coincide with the new rules in 2017.
July 14 2015