WRC 2027: Are the tuners coming?

(Motorsport-Total.com) - The World Rally Championship is facing a potential upheaval: The new technical rules for 2027 , which are intended to enable a more cost-effective and flexible vehicle base, are apparently already attracting growing interest - from tuning companies.

The FIA, the world's leading motor racing governing body, has launched the new regulations with a clear goal in mind: to lower the entry barrier for new competitors while ensuring a comparable level of performance to that of current Rally 1 cars. The core element is a cost cap of €345,000 per vehicle. Technically, the new vehicles are based on a spaceframe chassis combined with Rally 2 technical components.

Free hand for tuners with chassis and design

A crucial aspect: From 2027, for the first time, not only classic manufacturers but also tuning companies will be allowed to develop complete vehicles - including body and body.

The rules, which were further clarified by the World Motor Sport Council in June, allow for almost unlimited design: From classic compact models to crossover shapes and purely in-house developments , a wide variety of concepts are possible.

"What I can say is that two tuners are working very closely with us on this project," reveals FIA Technical Director Xavier Mestellen Pinon. "They are heavily involved, but we are also in discussions with others." The Frenchman didn't name any names, but it seems certain that serious projects are being pursued here.

New manufacturer shows concrete interest

At the same time, a new car manufacturer also appears to be seriously considering entering the WRC. According to information from Motorsport.com Global , the English-language sister platform of Motorsport-Total.com on the Motorsport Network, a meeting is scheduled at the upcoming Rome Rally that could set the concrete course. However, an announcement is not expected on-site.

Meanwhile, the current WRC manufacturers are holding back on concrete commitments. Toyota has begun initial preparatory work, but, like Hyundai and M-Sport Ford, has not yet confirmed a commitment beyond 2027. Hyundai, in particular, is pushing for greater technological openness in the choice of powertrains—the goal is to present technologies with a greater degree of series relevance.

No green light yet for alternative drives

For the time being, the regulations will be geared toward traditional combustion engines. However, the FIA ​​emphasizes that alternative drive technologies will also be possible in later phases – however, a concrete timeline or balancing mechanism to ensure competitive parity is still pending.

The next milestone is in sight: The final roll cage specifications are to be adopted within the next two months - an important step for interested teams and tuners to advance vehicle development.