Ford Sierra RS 500 Cosworth '87

aspiration

TC (Turbocharger)

Group

Gr.N

Displacement

1,993 cc

DriveTrain

FR

Height

1,376 mm

Length

4,459 mm

Weight

1,207 kg

Width

1,728 mm

Max Power

223 BHP / 6,000 rpm

Max Torque

28.6 kgfm / 4,500 rpm

Performance Point

PP 471.34

Manufacturer

Ford

The Legendary Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth '87: A Touring Car Icon

The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth '87 stands as a true motorsport legend, acclaimed for its immense influence on touring car racing and its cult status among car enthusiasts. Originally conceived as a homologation special for Group A racing, the RS500 was born from the standard Sierra RS Cosworth, taking performance to the next level. homologation mandated that 500 examples be made for the road, thus the 'RS500' moniker. With the talents of British motorsport specialist Andy Rouse and the engineering prowess of Ford and Cosworth, the RS500 entered production in 1987, featuring notable enhancements such as a larger Garrett turbocharger, improved intercooling, and a fortified engine block capable of handling substantially more power.

The racing pedigree of the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth is second to none in the realm of touring cars. It quickly dominated circuits around the globe, from the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) to the German DTM and the Australian Group A scene. Its fire-breathing YB engine – capable of producing up to 500 horsepower in full race trim – endowed the RS500 with speed and reliability few rivals could match. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the RS500 became a fixture on podiums, securing titles and rewriting the record books. Notably, the RS500 clinched the BTCC championship in 1990, and its fearsome pace meant it remained highly competitive even as newer models arrived.

Beyond the racetrack, the road-going Sierra RS500 Cosworth '87 developed a loyal following among collectors and enthusiasts. Its aggressive aerodynamic addenda, including the signature whale-tail spoiler and distinct front splitter, combined with rarity, have cemented its desirability. The RS500 has appreciated sharply in value over the years and continues to enjoy a celebrated legacy, influencing subsequent Ford performance cars and remaining a symbol of Ford's racing pedigree. Whether in historic racing events or as pristine garage queens, the RS500 Cosworth '87 is celebrated as one of the greatest homologation specials ever produced.