FIA's Modified 2027 WRC Vehicles Appear Prepared for a GTA Heist | Carscoops

      Next-generation rally cars will see a reduction of over 100 hp, lower costs, and a departure from traditional regulations in favor of bold new designs and simplified performance by 2027.

      The WRC’s vehicles for 2027 will be limited to 290 hp and priced at €345,000 each.

      The FIA has showcased three concept vehicles, including crossover designs.

      New regulations permit complete design freedom within specified volume limits.

      The World Rally Championship is poised for a significant transformation in 2027, with a comprehensive rules reform that will change the appearance and performance of Rally1 cars. These vehicles are expected to be cheaper, less powerful, and have minimalist aerodynamic features.

      Three preliminary design concepts have been revealed, showing that FIA designers took cues from production models such as the Audi RS3, Subaru WRX, and Porsche Macan EV. The resulting designs resemble something that could emerge from a Grand Theft Auto garage.

      In the tangible world, every Rally1 car for 2027 will be constructed around a safety cell with a tubular frame, designed to be stronger than those in previous models.

      In a departure from past practices, the new regulations do not mandate that Rally1 vehicles be based on commercial models. Instead, they establish a reference volume that dictates the limits for the outer body panels, allowing manufacturers more creative freedom to explore different shapes and styling.

      Aerodynamic components have been significantly reduced. Compared to current models, the rear wings on these concept cars are notably smaller, and there is a clear lack of extreme downforce features across the body.

      One of the designs features RS3-inspired headlights and has the appearance of a sleek sedan, while the Macan-inspired version resembles a low-profile crossover, echoing elements of the all-electric Taycan.

      All vehicles will be powered by the same engine: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is now restricted to approximately 290 horsepower—over a 100 hp decrease from today's Rally1 cars.

      They will also come equipped with a common five-speed transmission and four-wheel-drive system, alongside double wishbone suspension. Steering and braking systems will be taken from the current Rally2 category, ensuring a more cohesive technical foundation across class divisions.

      Rallying at a Significant Discount

      Cost is one of the most notable changes. With a tarmac specification, each car will be limited to €345,000 (approximately $404,000 at current exchange rates), representing a reduction of over 50 percent compared to the current Rally1 vehicles. In 2027, these revamped entries will compete alongside existing Rally2 models at the premier level of WRC.

      “Flexibility is a key characteristic of the WRC27 regulations,” said Malcolm Wilson, FIA deputy president for sport. “The new Rally1 concepts we have introduced are built to these standards, showcasing how that flexibility can be implemented in practice. They illustrate, for the first time, the variety of technical solutions and vehicle concepts that can be created within the framework while still fulfilling the requirements of elite FIA World Rally Championship competition.”