July 11, 2015 – The World Motor Sport Council has approved new technical and homologation regulations for the 2017 World Rally Car, which will become an evolution of the current 2014-2016 design, but with an increase in power and a more dramatic shape.
The 2017 regulations will see enhancements to the engine, and the visual impact created by an all-new aerodynamic package will dramatically enrich the spectacle of these cars and provide far greater diversity.
The 1.6-litre turbo engine is retained, but the turbo restrictor will be increased from 33mm to 36mm while the turbo pressure remains at a maximum 2.5b absolute. The minimum weight of the car has also been reduced by 25 kilograms.
Greater aerodynamic freedom will be allowed; a free zone defined around the bodyshell of the car could see bigger front and rear overhangs, while the fixed rear wing can be dramatically increased in size, and while the rear diffuser will have maximum permitted dimensions, the shape will be free and may protrude up to 50mm from the rear bumper.
While the new cars are set to hit the stages from 2017, WRC cars homologated between 2011 and 2016 will remain eligible in the FIA World Rally Championship.