High-tech rally car named for Colin McRae

The McRae Enduro rally car, bearing the name of the late rally champion Colin McRae was awarded the ‘Idea of the Year’ award at the 2007 Auto Car Awards.

Colin McRae died in a helicopter crash with his son and two more passengers last September. His death was mourned by the Rally world along with his family and fans.

The Ford-assembled engine powered car will race on track in the 60,000km Dakar Rally. The engine assembled at the Ford Dagenham Diesel Centre in Essex, England is a 2.7-liter V6 turbo capable of producing 160 kW diesel engine.

The award was given to the McRae Enduro rally team by Autocar Editor Chas Hallet in front of 480 personalities in the automotive industry.

Christopher Bibb, commercial director for the McRae Enduro operation, received the award and said: "Rally driver Alister McRae, younger brother of Colin, is our chief test driver."

"As soon as testing started, Colin was keen to drive the Enduro, but for many reasons that never quite happened - and, sadly, now never will. We therefore dedicate our award to Colin McRae – one of Britain's greatest sportsmen."

Chris Harrison, director of Ford Component Sales, said: "As the supplier of the engine and other Ford components, we are proud to be associated with the Enduro.

"With an extensive portfolio of more than 100 000 components in Europe alone, Ford Component Sales offers an extremely attractive package to smaller companies.

"It makes sense for low-volume manufacturers to use the resources of a global giant by dipping into its extensive parts bin. Design and development costs are kept to a minimum, reliability and quality at competitive prices are assured."

The assembled Ford engine delivers power via the six-speed manual ZF gearbox to the full-time all wheel drive designed by the McRae Enduro team.