Reviving The Legend: Ford RS2.00 Concept Pays Tribute To The RS200

A group of Ford designers decided to give a modern-day tribute to the iconic Group B RS200 as it turns 40. Their creation? The RS2.00 is a car that combines elements of homage and futuristic reimagining, leaving many wondering why they didn't create it sooner.

Steve Saxty, an author specializing in Ford design, initiated the project through a conversation. The designers toyed with the idea of crafting a concept that not only celebrated the 1980s classic but also pushed it into the future.

What started as sketches quickly evolved into a virtual 3D model, then a clay model, and eventually the project got the nod from Ford's design leadership to keep going. What makes it even cooler? This entire concept was done in the designers' free time, born purely out of passion.

This team maintained the original intent of Ford's RS200 to avoid an overly aggressive appearance. They’ve dubbed it a "friendly monster"—which might seem like an oxymoron but makes total sense when you see it. The RS2.00 pulls familiar elements from the 1984 classic—like those round headlights, fog lights nestled in the bumper, the signature roof spoiler, and that distinct waistline that flows into the rear wing. However, this new design sets itself apart. It’s leaner, meaner, and has the muscular lines of a modern-day supercar.

While Ford’s top brass gave their approval, don’t expect to see this beauty rolling off assembly lines anytime soon. However, you might be able to experience it in the virtual world of your favorite racing game within the next few years, even if it's on a digital track.

What really sets this project apart is how deeply video game culture seeped into its DNA. For example, the RS2.00 has a lift-up cockpit canopy that gives you an uninterrupted view of the road ahead—just like when you’re tearing up a racetrack in a game. The seats are also adaptive, able to either amplify or soften the car’s movements, kind of like gaming haptic feedback brought to life.

Inside, there’s only one screen, embedded in the steering wheel itself, which also houses the car’s “brain.” You could even transfer this brain from one car to another, ensuring your customized driving setup follows you wherever you drive. It’s like taking your gaming profile and uploading it to any system. As much as we'd love to see this concept come to life, we believe it's unlikely.