The World Rally Championship (WRC) is gearing up for a seismic shift in 2027, and the anticipation is palpable! As the summer break approaches, the FIA is racing against time to finalize the groundbreaking technical regulations that promise to revolutionize the rallying landscape. Since unveiling a bold 10-year framework last December, the governing body has been tirelessly refining the WRC27 rules, which are set to be more cost-effective and flexible than ever before. This initiative aims to entice new manufacturers and teams into the thrilling world of rallying.
Prepare for a new era where cars will be capped at an astonishing €345,000, delivering a robust 300 horsepower! The innovative design will feature a space frame chassis and Rally2 componentry, while the use of pricey materials like carbon fiber will be strictly limited to keep costs in check. Safety remains a top priority, with the new vehicles expected to surpass the current Rally1 cars in protection measures.
In a dramatic twist, from 2027 onwards, the established Rally2 cars will continue to compete alongside the fresh WRC27 entrants, marking a transitional phase that will eventually phase out the Rally2 machinery altogether. The new regulations will empower tuners and automotive manufacturers alike to construct their own chassis and design unique bodywork, paving the way for unprecedented creativity on the racing circuit.
The FIA has already greenlit the bodywork regulations, allowing for a diverse range of designs—from saloons to hatchbacks and even bespoke models. The new cars will stand 20mm taller than their Rally1 predecessors, maintaining a similar width while weighing in at 1230kg, the same as the current Rally2 vehicles. As the bodywork framework is set, the FIA is now focused on finalizing the roll cage design, with a series of crash tests scheduled to ensure peak safety standards.
FIA technical director Xavier Mestelan Pinon remarked, “Everything is already set up; if you want to design a car, you have all the info. But as always with regulations, we work on the details all the time.” He added that dynamic side impact tests are expected to confirm the roll cage’s performance by the end of August, emphasizing the need for safety improvements over existing Rally2 cars.
Looking ahead, the WRC27 regulations will initially center around internal combustion engines, but there’s a buzz about future flexibility regarding alternative powertrains. The FIA is actively engaging in discussions to potentially allow manufacturers to utilize production car engines, moving beyond the homologated turbo-charged Rally2 engines that are currently the standard.
While Toyota is blazing the trail with its WRC27 concept, M-Sport-Ford and Hyundai remain on the fence. M-Sport is exploring options but prefers to partner with a manufacturer, while Hyundai has made its position crystal clear. Under the current framework, they are not interested in a cost-capped vehicle solely powered by a traditional Rally2 engine. Hyundai’s technical director, Francois-Xavier Demaison, stated, “We will look at it if the rules are more open for the powertrain. A manufacturer like Hyundai needs more technology in the cars.”
The FIA has yet to announce when it will open the door for alternative powertrains, with road sport director Emilia Abel stating, “The option is there, the regulations have the framework for it, but we haven’t made a final decision for it.” As the clock ticks down to 2027, the rallying world is holding its breath for what promises to be a transformative chapter in motorsport history! Will more manufacturers join the fray? Will we see increased technological innovation? The answers are just around the corner!
