To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1984 Ford RS200, Ford has unveiled the RS2.00 Concept, a virtual car designed to carry the legacy of the renowned Group B rally car into the digital age. The name “RS2.00” symbolizes both the original RS200 and its evolution into a new, virtual version, reflecting the car’s dual heritage as both a motorsport icon and a video game-inspired creation.
SkunkDesignWorks: A Passion Project
The RS2.00 Concept began as an informal “skunkworks” project, driven by a small group of Ford designers who were passionate about the original RS200. Initiated after a conversation between Ford of Europe Design Director Amko Leenarts and author Steve Saxty during the preparation of the book Secret Fords, the design team started by creating sketches for the book. However, their enthusiasm for the project quickly grew beyond the initial assignment, leading to the development of a 3D virtual model in their spare time.
The project gained support from Ford’s design leadership, allowing the designers to continue working autonomously. This collaborative process gave the team freedom to experiment with new tools and ideas while retaining traditional design elements like clay modeling. The result is a pure design exercise that showcases Ford’s creative potential, built by the collective vision of passionate designers.
From Rally Hero to Gaming Icon
The RS2.00 Concept shifts the RS200’s legacy from the rally stage to the virtual world. Ford, already well-represented in the gaming industry, designed the RS2.00 with video games in mind, targeting a new audience while celebrating the company’s motorsport heritage.
The first iteration of the concept, known as the “Apex Hero,” stays true to the original RS200’s agile and exciting driving experience, emphasizing low-speed fun on tight roads. Its adaptable design allows for various modifications, making it suitable for multiple powertrains and levels of electrification.
“The Friendly Monster” Design Philosophy
Inspired by the RS200’s approachable design, the RS2.00 Concept embodies the theme of “The Friendly Monster.” Unlike aggressive rally competitors of its era, the RS200 stood out for its playful design while still delivering high performance. The RS2.00 Concept reflects this spirit, with its non-threatening aesthetic and smooth, optimistic lines.
One of the concept’s standout features is its transparent front section, which creates an unprecedented visual connection between the interior and exterior. This transparency, inspired by its gaming roots, enhances the sense of speed and allows for a more immersive driver experience.
Interior and Gaming Features
The RS2.00’s interior is designed to enhance the player’s experience, taking inspiration from racing simulators. The seats are flexible, adjusting to the driver’s body while simulating varying levels of driving sensations. The steering column acts as the brain of the car, storing driver settings and preferences, with the potential to transfer this module between vehicles. The only screen is embedded in the center of the steering wheel, simplifying the driving interface, while a light strip across the car’s header provides real-time driving feedback.
Between Real and Virtual
The design of the RS2.00 Concept walks a fine line between the real and virtual worlds. Certain elements, such as the round headlights, directly reference the 1984 RS200, while others, like the holographic light signature, embrace futuristic digital aesthetics. The “Pixel Carbon” material, a pixelated pattern on forged carbon, is another example of how the concept blends real-world elements with virtual design.
Dynamic features like an active spoiler, a hollow diffuser revealing the rear suspension in action, and engine cover slots showing available power boost, add to the excitement, making the RS2.00 not just visually stunning but highly interactive.
The Future of RS2.00
The Ford RS2.00 Concept isn’t just a tribute to the past; it’s a vision for the future. It reimagines the RS brand, taking it into new, unexplored territories while staying true to its roots of performance and driving excitement. The “Apex Hero” version marks only the beginning of the RS2.00 journey, with more iterations and evolutions expected as the concept continues to explore new possibilities in the gaming and automotive worlds.
