Porsche look, VW engine: Rally One reveals its car for the WRC 2027

– Project Rally One has officially presented its car for the World Rally Championship (WRC) 2027 to the public. The team’s goal is to start the season opener in Monte Carlo next January with two cars.

Title image for the news: Presentation of the Rally One car

The Belgian team unveiled the completely newly developed car, built according to the technical WRC regulations for 2027, during the “Rally4Passion” event in Huy, Belgium.

Founded by the experienced motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen and former FIA Rally Director and Citroen WRC boss Yves Matton, Project Rally One announced plans last December to design, build, and homologate a car to WRC27 specifications.

750 test kilometers without problems

The team is, alongside RMC Motorsport from Spain, one of two tuners committed to the new technical WRC regulations, which for the first time allow tuners to act as full constructors.

Project Rally One completed a first rollout of the new car in Germany earlier this month and then covered 750 test kilometers on asphalt in France. The experienced drivers Stephane Lefebvre and Bruno Thiry were behind the wheel. The team also confirmed that the newly crowned European Rally Champion and former WRC factory driver Teemu Suninen will lead the next development phase of the car on gravel next month.

“Project Rally One is now in the final phase before the homologation of the car, which is planned for November 1,” explains Hansen. “We have just completed five asphalt test days covering 750 kilometers without the slightest reliability issue. At the same time, we have reached the performance level we expected.”

Engine from the VW Group and influences from Porsche

“Once the homologation is complete, we will carry out further test drives – again on asphalt next week before moving to gravel in October. This means we are on schedule. Our goal remains to field two cars at the 2027 Monte Carlo Rally. It is a demanding challenge, but it remains realistic. Much will still happen until then.”

The vehicle is powered by an engine from the Volkswagen Group, similar to the engine of the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. Extensive modifications have been made to adapt the drivetrain as closely as possible to the technical requirements of the WRC27 regulations while meeting the project requirements and the targeted performance level.

The car is not directly based on a current production model. However, the design shows influences from the German manufacturer Porsche, with whom Hansen has a long-standing relationship through the development of the Porsche 992 Rally GT.

Two cars planned for the Monte Carlo Rally

“As everyone knows, I have a long-standing relationship with a well-known German brand, which is also reflected in the rather futuristic look of the car,” explains Hansen. “However, this brand is not involved in Project Rally One from a technical or financial perspective. For the design and construction of the bodywork, we were able to draw on the expertise of Faster Racing – a company from Paris with 35 years of motorsport experience. The result is particularly successful.”

“The homologation process is the same as Toyota’s. However, any comparison between a giant of the automotive industry and a private team ends right there. Our overall budget is limited, which means we always have to remain extremely responsive and efficient.”

“We are not a factory team, but we are preparing to compete in the same arena. Around 4,500 working hours have already been required to develop the car, and there is still a significant amount of work ahead of us,” Hansen continues.

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