Braselton, Georgia - JRD Motorsport is unveiling key updates on the ARC2 program - the American-built rally car engineered to deliver Rally2-level performance and revolutionize the American Rally Association (ARA) RC2 class. Designed from the ground up for durability, serviceability, and competitive speed, the ARC2 offers a cost-effective alternative to European-built platforms. Initial testing is on track for late 2025, with customer deliveries expected in early 2026. 
 

ARC2: Development and Design 
 

The ARC2 is based on the Chevrolet Sonic platform, chosen for its size, cost and JRD’s access to the vehicle’s CAD data. While the Sonic's original body shell serves as the base for the build, JRD is constructing the ARC2 from the ground up, integrating its proprietary race winning suspension geometry, AWD drivetrain, FIA certified roll cage, and high-performance components from industry-leading suppliers, engineered to withstand the extreme demands of stage rallying. 
 

The ARC2 is set to be powered by a Direct Injected 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from Aurobay, a HORSE Powertrain company in Sweden. The engine will arrive at JRD tuned to match the output and performance of a FIA Rally2 engine with a locked ECU and tamper proof seals installed. The engine will deliver its power to all 4 wheels through a sequential five-speed gearbox from SGS Racing Transmission and mechanical limited slip differentials. JRD has designed the ARC2 with cost-conscious engineering, ensuring the cars are cost effective to own and maintain. JRD will maintain a full inventory of parts and offer comprehensive after-sales support to ensure customers receive top-tier service and reliability. 
 

Built to a combination of FIA RC2 technical specifications and ARA Open Class regulations, the ARC2 fills a growing need for top end AWD rally cars in ARA. “We have talked to several drivers and team owners in other categories of motorsport that would like to venture into rally if it was easier to acquire and maintain a top level car in the US, " says Johan Ragnarsson of JRD. “In the past it was quite easy to convert a Subaru or EVO to a rally car with many companies offering bolt-on products often derived from the Group N era in rally. The Rally2 concept has been a huge success in Europe but the cars are complicated to import and expensive to maintain in the US.  We want to offer an American built car every bit as exciting and capable as its European counterparts but better suited for the American rally market.”
 

 

 

In addition to the cost-saving spec engine, the ARC2 has been limited to 275mm of suspension travel and features a modified SGS gearbox with the 6th gear removed to better align with FIA Rally2 car specs. 

JRD is also developing a body kit for the car adhering to both ARA Open Class and FIA Rally2 regulations. The ARC2 body kit design will go through aerodynamics CFD simulations, focused less on gaining a competitive advantage and more on avoiding aerodynamic instability at high speeds or when airborne. 
 

The ARC2 vehicle will be homologated specifically for ARA competition in the RC2 class. The extent of this homologation and exactly what components to be included will be announced in the coming month. 

The price for the ARC2 base model in gravel specs has been set at $220,000, significantly undercutting the cost of European Rally2 cars. The ARC2 will make its public debut at the PRI Show in Indianapolis this December. 
 

About JRD: JRD Motorsport was founded in the early 1990s, initially focusing on custom car builds and celebrity conversions. The company played a key role in developing the Panoz Esperante road car and served as the in-house prototype and tuning division for Panoz vehicles. After becoming independent in 2018, JRD expanded its operations while maintaining its deep ties to performance automotive engineering. Notably, JRD are behind some of the most iconic American-built rally cars in recent years, including Seamus Burke’s Mk2 Ford Escort, which dominated the 2WD Open Championship multiple times. With the ARC2, JRD aims to continue this tradition by making high-level rallying more accessible to American teams. 
 

For more information, media inquiries, or interview requests, please contact: 

Media Contact: 

Kilane Garrett 

kilane@jrdmotorsport.com 
 

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