Skoda Fabia 2000 rally car begins testing

Rally racing has bred some of the most incredible, insane and absolutely beloved automobile variants of all time. From the Renault R5 Turbo and Audi Quattro to the Subaru WRX STI and Mitsubishi EVO, rally racing finds ways of turning otherwise sensible, economical transportation into snarling, gravel-spewing demons of speed - which is why we love them so much. Skoda's foray into the Super 2000 rally series meets the tradition by presenting just such a beast, the Skoda Fabia 2000.

Born of the rather tame standard Fabia hatchback (pictured below), the new matte-black rally star features a 2L naturally aspirated four-cylinder mated to a six-speed gearbox running through three mechanical differentials to power all four wheels. Currently undergoing preliminary testing, exact specifications are not yet being released - probably because they have not yet been firmly decided.

The exterior of the vehicle seems to be complete, aside from the obvious lack of sponsor decals. The massively flared fenders cover a widened track width to give the Fabia 2000 better high-speed and off-road cornering ability. Combined with a full interior roll cage, highly customized aerodynamics and a mid-bumper exhaust outlet, the Fabia certainly looks every bit the part.

Once testing is complete, the vehicle will enter competition service, and will even be available for purchase by private teams.

Via: Autoblog.nl