Revival of a Legend: Ford Sierra RS500 Transforms into Carbon Piranha with Cosworth’s Magic Touch

The Ford Sierra RS500 is reborn as a Carbon Piranha Restomod, featuring Cosworth collaboration.

A titan in racing history, the Ford Sierra RS500 dominated its rivals to such an extent that the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) was forced to alter its rules and implement an air restrictor. The vehicle's powerful Garrett turbocharger, referred to as its 'breathing lung,' was simply too potent.

That effort proved to be futile. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Ford Sierra continued its streak of victories, collecting touring car trophies with its initially powerful engine of around 500 horsepower. However, to qualify for racing, homologation models were required, and 5,000 of them had to be made, with 500 receiving significant enhancements. Thus, the RS500 came into existence.

Photo Gallery: Ford Sierra RS500 Vision148 Restomod

These models boasted a substantial 224 horsepower, which was quite formidable on regular roads, much like their racing counterparts. To put their status into perspective with figures: last year, one of the RS500s fetched a staggering auction record of 670,000 euros – and that was for the street model, not one of the famed racing editions.

The 148th of these is set to become the foundational inspiration for an incredibly bold restomod venture. Vision148 represents a coalition of various companies within the UK automotive industry. Through their "RS500 Carbon Piranha" initiative, they aim to showcase the latest in manufacturing and material technology.

At Vision148, the focus is on partnering with experts in additive manufacturing and digital design within the automotive and motorsport industries, as well as collaborating with established brands such as Cosworth to bring this car into existence. This is complemented by a distinct members-only club, which aims to engage project enthusiasts who will have the opportunity to own the completed vehicle, as stated.

Yes, you read that correctly! Cosworth is not only on board, who were the original creators of the bustling engine and are celebrating their 65th anniversary with this project, but supporters of the initiative can actually own this fierce reimagining. However, the donor vehicle will first be dismantled at ASM Auto Recycling and any salvageable parts will be utilized.

Following that, the transformation process begins, where the Ford Sierra RS 500 evolves into the RS500 Carbon Piranha. At the Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) in Silverstone, Yasid Design, in collaboration with other partners, is tasked with reimagining the vehicle's carbon exterior. Advancing the Sierra, with its then-innovative aerodynamic shape, into the modern era appears to be a relatively straightforward endeavor.

As if the original appeared somewhat casual, they've gone and exaggerated everything even more. Particularly striking are the prominent bulges on the front and rear wheel arches, which create space for the fully covered wheels.

Increased Number of Wild Restomods

Wide side skirts, aggressive scoops, and a redesign of the classic twin spoiler. Plus, since carbon is impressively light, there's a significant weight reduction involved. Our peers at Top Gear even mention a final weight below 1,000 kilograms. As if the already lightweight Sierra RS500, tipping the scales at 1,200 kilograms, needed to shed any weight.

Individuals who decide to invest in the project through crowdfunding might ultimately have the opportunity to claim the RS500 Carbon Piranha as their own. Although there isn't a completion date on the horizon yet, the Vision148 project has been underway for eight months. Whoever turns out to be the owner, we're hereby requesting a test run in advance.

Source: Vision148, Top Gear

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