TUNNING

M-Sport works masterfully and leaves a Fiat Panda as a ''little rocket''

M-Sport is a specialist in building rally cars to compete in WRC and other sports. It works on the basis of Ford vehicles, with the Fiesta R5 as an example in recent years and with the Ford Puma Rally1 as the next replacement. However, sometimes he gets carried away and presents projects as crazy as is the case with Pandamonium. It is a Fiat Panda from the 90s that M-Sport equipped with the chassis and engine of the Ford Fiesta R5.

The model used by M-Sport to build the Pandamonium is a restored example from the 90s. It received a series of modifications to fit the chassis of a racing car, a job that took several months. Firstly, the wheelbase is longer, reaching 2480mm instead of the original 2160mm. On the other hand, the width of the gauges on both axles was increased and now it has larger diameter wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Meanwhile, the body has a new aerodynamic kit that allows it to considerably increase its measurements. Included are square front and rear fenders that add 360mm of width to the vehicle, a new front bumper with larger air intakes and splitter, wider skirts and a rear diffuser with an exhaust outlet.

The interior of Pandamonium by M-Sport has been completely emptied to install an FIA-approved safety cage. There are also racing seats with six-point belts, a new steering wheel and different switches to control vehicle functions. While this classic rally Panda is unique, the company hinted at other similar projects for the future when they launch the M-Sport Special Vehicles division.

While it may look like a Panda with a huge body kit, it's actually based on the chassis of the first generation Ford Fiesta R5 (2013-2019). For that reason, the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, supercharged and tuned by M-Sport, hides under the hood. It develops 300 hp of power and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. It is connected to a four-wheel drive system with two differentials and a 5-speed Sadev sequential transmission.

Autonews