Skoda Motorsport unveiled its Fabia Rally2 at ceremony held at its headquarters in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic on June 14 2022. The car is due to be homologated on August 1 meaning it will be eligible for Rally Finland 2022 on August 4.  

The Fabia Rally2 has a new version of Skoda Motorsport’s R5/ Rally2 I4 turbo

Rally2 admits production-based 1600 cc, four cylinder, single turbo petrol engines breathing through a 32 mm intake air restrictor. There is a maximum crankshaft speed of 7500 rpm and a maximum plenum pressure of 2.5 bar while the compression ratio is restricted to 10.5:1. The new Fabia Rally2 has an engine developed from the Volkswagen Group’s 1.8 litre 16-valve, direct injection I4 turbo (the EA888) as had the previous model, the Fabia R5/ R5 Evo (RET 126 Autumn 2020).

Skoda Motorsport reports that it has focused on optimising the combustion process by redesigning the combustion chamber, as well as the intake and exhaust ports. There have also been changes to the variable valve timing system to further enhance combustion efficiency. The engine also features a redesigned lubrication system. There are new pistons too, while a new turbocharger and exhaust system, along with increased capacity for the charge cooling circuit have also helped increase output.

The revised engine is claimed to produce 214 kW (287 bhp), with maximum torque of 430 Nm. It is married to a four wheel drive system including a five speed gearbox and front and rear mechanical differentials. A new feature is electro-hydraulic control of the inter-axle clutch, which allows the front and rear axles to be disengaged upon use of the handbrake, which is often employed to assist in sharp changes of direction.

Prior to its launch the Fabia Rally2 had undergone an extensive test programme, such that it should be fully ready to compete in Finland. Skoda Motorsport reported that its drivers have praised the torque delivery and throttle response compared to that of the R5 Evo engine.