A consortium of British companies has embarked on an ambitious project to resurrect the iconic 1980s Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500. The restomod, dubbed Carbon Piranha, promises to marry the raw spirit of the original with cutting-edge technology, much to the delight of car enthusiasts.
The legacy of an 80s icon
The 80s marked the golden age of sports cars, a time when raw power and driving sensations took precedence over technological gadgets. Among the models that marked this era, the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts.
Launched in 1987, the Sierra Cosworth RS500 was the ultimate evolution of the Sierra RS Cosworth. Limited to just 500 examples, the car produced an impressive 224bhp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Its performance and aggressive styling made it a true legend on the track and on the road.
The Carbon Piranha Project: A High-Tech Renaissance
Nearly four decades after its launch, the Sierra Cosworth RS500 is set to be reborn in a modernised form. The project, dubbed Carbon Piranha, is the result of a collaboration between four renowned British companies, including Cosworth, the original engine manufacturer.
The goal is ambitious: to recreate the spirit of the Sierra Cosworth RS500 while incorporating the latest technological advances in materials and performance. The project is based on chassis number 148 of the original 500 examples, giving rise to the code name Vision148.
A synergy of expertise for an exceptional restomod
Each company involved in the project brings its unique know-how:
ASM Auto Recycling will take care of the careful dismantling of the original vehicle. Each part will be scanned in 3D to create a digital twin that will serve as the basis for the design of the new bodywork.
London-based studio Yasid Design is responsible for the design of the new carbon fibre bodywork. Their mission is to modernise the Sierraโs aesthetics whilst preserving its iconic DNA.
Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC), based in Silverstone, will have the crucial task of building the final vehicle. Specialising in the manufacture of lightweight, high-strength components for the aerospace and high-end automotive industries, DMC aims to keep the Carbon Piranhaโs weight below 1,000kg โ more than 210kg lighter than the original.
Finally, Cosworth, the legendary engine manufacturer, will be responsible for rebuilding and optimizing the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. While the original engine developed 224 hp, the modernized version could exceed 300 hp, promising exceptional performance.
A technical challenge and a promise of performance
The Carbon Piranha project represents a real technical challenge. The massive use of carbon fiber and cutting-edge technologies aims to create a car that is significantly lighter and more efficient than the original, while retaining its spirit.
The aim of keeping the weight under 1000kg, combined with an engine potentially capable of developing over 300hp, promises an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. This combination promises breathtaking performance, worthy of the Sierra Cosworth RS500 heritage.
A tribute to British engineering
This restomod project highlights the excellence of British automotive engineering. The collaboration between these four specialist companies is a testament to the wealth of British motorsport and high-tech expertise.
The Carbon Piranha is not just a styling exercise. It represents a true technical feat, combining the raw spirit of 80s sports cars with the most advanced technologies of the 21st century.
The expectation of enthusiasts
Although the Vision148 project has yet to announce a completion date, the announcement of this restomod has already generated a lot of interest among car enthusiasts. The prospect of seeing an icon like the Sierra Cosworth RS500 reborn in a modernized form has sports car enthusiasts salivating.
The Carbon Piranha promises to be much more than a simple reproduction. It promises to be a bold reinterpretation, capable of seducing both those nostalgic for the 80s and lovers of cutting-edge technology.
The Carbon Piranha project perfectly embodies the spirit of the restomod: paying homage to a classic while adapting it to modern standards. This high-tech rebirth of the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 promises to revive the spirit of the 80s with a decidedly contemporary twist. Enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting to see โ and hear โ this engineering gem come to life on the roads and racetracks.