ŠKODA has released images of the Fabia R5 Rally Car. The car, which was unveiled earlier this month has been homologated by FIA. B

Based on the third-generation Fabia, the race-spec R5 will replace the Fabia Super 2000. Irish Motorsport fans will remember the Fabia S2000 from the 2014 ERC Circuit of Ireland Rally when Fabia S2000s took both second position and the overall event win driven by Fin, Esapekka Lappi.

Commenting on the Fabia R5, One of Ireland's top Rally drivers Robert Barrable said, "ŠKODA have built some excellent rally cars over the years, the Fabia S2000 brought me great success. I'm looking forward to testing the new Fabia R5 later this year and putting a programme together for next year."

Unlike the road-going Fabia which adopts a front-wheel drive layout, the new Fabia R5 comes with a four-wheel drive setup and is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged high octane petrol engine developing a 205KW (275bhp) @ 4750 rpm, sent to both axles through a five-speed sequential gearbox.

As per FIA regulations, the rally car has a minimum weight of 1,230 kg (2,711 lbs) and Skoda's engineers have fitted it with McPherson struts.