2015 Skoda Fabia R5 Races into Essen and the Rally World

The cars that Czech carmaker Skoda engineers are usually very simple, very efficient and reliable. So to blow off some steam, the Fabia is being sent out for the glory of its people and the blood of its enemies.

But enough hyperbola for today. Let's talk engines. The most powerful you can currently get on the 2015 Fabia is the 1.2 TSI with 110 HP. And since the vRS has been killed off, there won't be anything better. But according to the WRC 2 series regulations, this bad boy packs a four-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It's been mated to a five-speed sequential gearbox and race suspension, all wrapped around in a body weighing at least 1,230 kg (2,711 lbs), according to the racing regulations.

“The Fabia R 5 is scheduled to be homologated by mid-2015.” The new Fabia R 5 features a lot of high-tech. In keeping with FIA regulations, the new racing car is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo engine. The new car also features a sequential, five-speed gearbox and McPherson struts. The weight will, in accordance with the regulations, be at least 1230 kilograms. A number of top Skoda drivers were also involved in the development of the new Fabia R 5," said Skoda Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek.

So what do we think of the car? Well, a week ago, we called it Ken Block's Skoda and that still holds true after seeing it in person. It's as wide as an SUV and as aggressive as a Black Friday shopper. The Fabia R5 will scoop air at an alarming rate, feeding its needs for combustion and cooling. The lower front grille has been enlarged and the hood vented to let the 1.6 sweat off its energy.

Simply Clever? No. Simply Awesome.

Update: We've just uploaded a video of the Fabia R5 taken during its debut at the Essen Motor Show.