Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Lore & Background

Ford developed the Escort RS Cosworth around the chassis and mechanicals of the Sierra Cosworth to accommodate the larger engine and transmission, while using Escort body panels to resemble the standard Mk 5 Ford Escort. Only the front doors and roof are interchangeable with the regular model. The floor pan of the standard Mk 5 Escort was initially designed for front-wheel drive only, though a four-wheel drive version, the RS2000 4x4, was soon introduced. The styling was designed during 1989 by Stephen Harper at MGA Developments in Coventry, under the guidance of Rod Mansfield and John Wheeler of Ford's SVO department. The aerokit was designed by MGA with oversight by John Wheeler, while ride and handling were overseen by John Bull and Mick Kelly. Body tooling was created by coachbuilders Karmann in Rheine, Germany, where the cars were manufactured.

Two main versions were produced. The initial 2,500 units were homologation specials completed by January 1, 1993, fitted with a Garrett T3/T04B Hybrid turbo and air/water intercooler. All of these included a non-functioning water injection system under the rear passenger seat, placed to demonstrate water injection capability for Group A regulations. Due to high demand, Ford kept the large turbo version in production until June 1994. From June 1994, a second generation model featured a smaller Garrett T25 turbocharger and revised engine management, reducing peak power by 5 PS but improving drivability for non-competitive use. Production stopped in early 1996 as the model could not meet new EU drive-by noise regulations.

The car was the first mass production car to produce downforce at both front and rear: 4.6 kg at 180 km/h at the front and 19.4 kg at the rear with the large wing. Three road variations were offered: Motorsport Base, Standard, and Lux. Special editions included the Monte Carlo, Miki Biasion, Motorsport Edition, Martini Racing Edition, Acropolis Edition (only one built), and the Arrows F1 Escort for the Japanese market.

Reader's Guide

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth holds significance as a homologation special that enabled Ford to compete in Group A of the World Rally Championship from 1993 to 1998. Its development involved adapting the Sierra Cosworth's drivetrain into a body styled to resemble the standard Escort, a process that required bespoke tooling by Karmann in Germany. The car's permanent four-wheel drive and turbocharged engine made it competitive in rallying, while its road-going versions offered a range of specifications from a stripped Motorsport Base to a fully equipped Lux model. The initial 2,500 homologation cars, with their large turbo and non-functioning water injection system, fulfilled FIA accreditation requirements. Subsequent production continued due to demand, and later models received a smaller turbo for improved everyday usability. The car's legacy includes its role in Ford's rally history, its distinctive 'whale-tail' rear wing, and its popularity among enthusiasts, who commonly nickname it 'Cossie'. Tuning companies have achieved power outputs in excess of 1000 bhp from the Cosworth YBT engine.

Did You Know?

• Only the front doors and roof of the Escort RS Cosworth are interchangeable with the standard Mk 5 Ford Escort.
• The car was the first mass production vehicle to produce downforce at both the front and rear.
• A total of 7,145 vehicles were produced from 19 February 1992 to 12 January 1996.