Ford Designs studio re-imagines another iconic car: Ford RS2.00 Concept - News

Ford RS2.00 Concept: A Virtual Tribute to a Rally Legend

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Ford RS200, the Ford RS2.00 Concept is a fresh take on the original Group B rally legend, reimagined as a digital dream car. Dubbed the "RS2.00" to suggest both a “Version 2.0” and a futuristic, virtual persona, this concept is a love letter to the spirit of the RS200. Created by a team of Ford designers driven by passion for both the original car and gaming culture, the RS2.00 explores new frontiers in automotive design while paying homage to Ford's motorsport heritage.

The SkunkWorks Approach: Born from Passion, Not Protocol

The RS2.00 Concept was an unofficial project from the start. Ford of Europe Design Director Amko Leenarts collaborated with author Steve Saxty, who was working on his latest "Secret Fords" book, and what began as sketches soon grew into a full-fledged concept. A handful of designers, moved by their affection for the RS200, took the initiative to develop a digital 3D model and further refine their vision. This rogue team, operating under the radar, evolved into “SkunkDesignWorks” (SDW), an informal and creative group that approached the project with an autonomy rarely seen in the automotive world. .

This "SkunkWorks" spirit allowed the designers to explore cutting-edge tools, software, and design approaches without the usual constraints. Free from formal oversight, they were able to innovate on their own terms, resulting in a concept that balances creativity and precision with a deep respect for the RS200 legacy. .

From Rallying Roots to Gaming Greatness

The RS2.00 Concept brings the RS200's spirit into the digital world, designed with gamers in mind. While Ford's traditional lineup continues to reach car enthusiasts and rally fans, the RS2.00 aims at a different audience, educating them on Ford's motorsport legacy. Built as the ultimate gaming companion, it's versatile, adapting to a range of virtual environments and game genres. .

The first model, called the “Apex Hero,” channels the original RS200's agility and thrilling drive, with a design made to shine in gaming worlds. Its form hints at future evolutions, capable of accommodating a variety of powertrains and electrification levels, making it as flexible in design as it is dynamic. .

"The Friendly Monster": Design with Approachability

At its core, the RS2.00 Concept embodies a “friendly monster” design philosophy. The 1984 RS200 stood apart in the rough-and-tumble world of Group B rally, known for a look that was powerful without being overtly aggressive. In that same spirit, the RS2.00 emphasizes an approachable, almost playful aesthetic that respects Ford's modern design language while maintaining a performance edge. .

The car's transparent front introduces a unique visual connection between the interior and exterior, providing an immersive driver experience. Designed for the gaming world, the cockpit view allows players to feel one with the road, while a third-person view showcases the driver in action, highlighting the unity between machine and operator. This see-through design also enhances styling, with visible interior elements like a racing number that seamlessly blends with the exterior graphics, creating a multi-dimensional design language..

The Gaming-Influenced Interior

The RS2.00 Concept's interior is a nod to racing simulators, making the virtual-to-real transition feel natural for gamers. The cockpit's structural design is exposed from the outside, and features seats that adapt to the driver's body, simulating varied driving sensations by filtering or enhancing movement. A single screen sits within the steering wheel, housing all essential interface elements, while the steering column itself, inspired by gaming PCs, contains all driver preferences and settings. .

The center console includes an interactive light strip that acts as a blind spot indicator, offering real-time feedback on overtaking attempts, adding a layer of interactivity typically seen in video games. .

Design Elements That Bridge the Real and Virtual Worlds

The RS2.00 Concept plays with the analog and digital, integrating classic elements from the original RS200 with innovative twists that only the virtual world can achieve. The headlights, inspired by the RS200's iconic four-round-eye setup, use holographic technology to create a glitch effect, paying homage to both its rally roots and digital identity. The “pixel carbon” fiber, resembling standard forged carbon, reveals a pixelated pattern exclusive to the RS2.00 Concept, a subtle nod to its gaming-centric theme. .

For the ultimate visual thrill, the RS2.00 includes features like an active spoiler that adjusts based on driving conditions, a hollow diffuser that exposes the rear suspension, and engine cover slots that display real-time power boosts. Each element is designed to create visual engagement for players, merging aesthetics with performance. .

A Dual Mission: Nostalgia Meets the Future

The RS2.00 Concept isn't just a celebration of the RS200; it's a vehicle with a purpose. It aims to rekindle memories of the rally classic while introducing a new generation to Ford's legacy in motorsport. The "Apex Hero" model is only the beginning, marking the RS2.00 Concept's journey through a digital frontier where the RS brand's DNA evolves in unexpected directions. .

With the RS2.00 Concept, Ford is making a statement. It's a vision of what happens when automotive design embraces creativity, respects heritage, and dares to explore new dimensions. For designers and enthusiasts alike, the RS2.00 is an inspiring look at the possibilities of future automotive design, where tradition and innovation intersect in powerful new ways.