To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary Ford RS200, Ford has unveiled the RS2.00 Concept—a digital reinvention that blends the raw spirit of the original Group B rally icon with the future of automotive design. Dubbed RS2.00 to signify both a “Version 2.0” and a futuristic, virtual evolution, the concept car is a tribute to the RS200's motorsport legacy and a new direction for Ford's automotive design. Crafted by a passionate team of Ford designers, this concept reimagines the RS200 as a digital dream car, designed with a nod to gaming culture and the evolution of automotive technology.
The SkunkWorks Approach: Born from Passion, Not Protocol
The RS2.00 Concept was born out of an informal and passionate collaboration. Ford’s European Design Director Amko Leenarts partnered with author Steve Saxty while working on his book “Secret Fords” to explore the idea of creating a modern digital tribute to the RS200. What started as a series of sketches grew into a fully-fledged concept, driven by a small group of designers who formed a “SkunkDesignWorks” team. Operating outside traditional company protocols, the designers had the freedom to explore cutting-edge tools, software, and new design approaches, creating a project that was as much about creativity as it was about automotive precision.
This SkunkWorks spirit allowed the designers to take risks and develop the RS2.00 Concept with a freedom that might not have been possible within the conventional boundaries of the automotive industry. The result is a car that reflects Ford’s legacy in motorsport while looking boldly ahead to the future of design.
From Rallying Roots to Gaming Greatness
The RS2.00 Concept brings the RS200’s heritage into the digital world, making it the perfect gaming companion for a new generation of enthusiasts. While Ford’s traditional models cater to rally fans and car lovers, the RS2.00 Concept is designed to introduce a younger audience to Ford's motorsport legacy, combining the excitement of virtual racing with the innovation of digital design.
The first model, named the "Apex Hero," channels the RS200's agility and thrilling driving experience into a sleek design that will shine in gaming environments. The RS2.00’s design leaves room for future evolutions, capable of supporting different powertrains and electrification, ensuring that it remains relevant as automotive technology advances.
"The Friendly Monster": Design with Approachability
At its core, the RS2.00 Concept follows a "friendly monster" design philosophy, echoing the spirit of the original RS200. While the 1984 RS200 was a formidable force in the world of Group B rallying, its design was not overly aggressive. The RS2.00 follows in those footsteps, presenting a design that is powerful but also approachable and playful.
The transparent front of the car is a striking feature, offering an immersive connection between the interior and exterior. This design allows players to feel more connected to the vehicle in first-person gaming modes and provides a unique third-person view of the driver in action. Visible interior elements like racing numbers and graphic overlays blend seamlessly with the car’s exterior design, creating a multi-dimensional aesthetic that makes the car feel alive within its virtual environment.
The Gaming-Influenced Interior
The RS2.00 Concept’s interior is inspired by the immersive world of racing simulators, designed to make the transition from digital to real-world driving feel seamless. The cockpit is exposed from the outside, allowing players to appreciate its intricate design. The seats adapt to the driver's body, enhancing the gaming experience by simulating various driving sensations. One screen embedded within the steering wheel displays all essential driver interface elements, while the steering column functions similarly to a gaming PC, housing the driver’s preferences and settings.
The center console features an interactive light strip that acts as a blind spot indicator, offering real-time feedback on overtaking attempts—a layer of interaction often found in video games that enhances the immersion for the player.
Design Elements That Bridge the Real and Virtual Worlds
The RS2.00 Concept merges analog and digital elements, fusing classic RS200 design with futuristic twists that only the digital world can achieve. The headlights, inspired by the RS200's iconic four-round-eye design, employ holographic technology to create a glitch effect, nodding to the car’s rally heritage while embracing its digital identity.
The use of “pixel carbon” fiber on the bodywork gives the concept a distinctive pixelated pattern, a subtle homage to its gaming-centric theme. Additionally, features like an active spoiler, a hollow diffuser that exposes the rear suspension, and engine cover slots that display real-time power boosts are designed to create visual excitement and performance engagement for players. Each of these elements is a bridge between aesthetic appeal and performance functionality, adding depth and realism to the digital experience.
A Dual Mission: Nostalgia Meets the Future
The RS2.00 Concept is more than just a tribute to the RS200; it’s a vehicle with a mission. It seeks to rekindle the excitement and nostalgia of the rally legend while introducing a new generation of gamers and car enthusiasts to Ford’s motorsport DNA. The “Apex Hero” model is just the beginning of this digital journey, as the RS2.00 evolves through new virtual platforms, continuing to explore and redefine the future of automotive design.
Ford’s RS2.00 Concept is a bold statement of what happens when heritage meets innovation. It embraces the future of automotive design with a respect for the past, merging creative freedom with cutting-edge technology to create a car that feels both timeless and ahead of its time.
Conclusion: A Vision of the Future of Automotive Design
The Ford RS2.00 Concept exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to automotive design, where creativity, heritage, and digital technology combine in a stunning new vision. With a nod to the past and a bold leap into the future, the RS2.00 is an exciting example of how automotive innovation can be both immersive and game-changing. For both designers and enthusiasts, the RS2.00 Concept opens up a world of possibilities, proving that the future of automotive design is not just on the road—it’s also in the virtual realm.
