M-Sport is known for competing in WRC stages with their Ford Fiesta – soon to be replaced by the hybrid Ford Puma – but their latest project is quite different. We are talking about the “Pandamonium”, a custom rallycar version of the first-generation Fiat Panda 4×4 that packs some serious power under the bonnet and comes in gravel or tarmac specification.
The Pandamonium might look like a Fiat
with a widebody kit but it is actually based on a first-generation Ford Fiesta
R5 chassis (2013-2019). This means that under the flat bonnet hides a
turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine tuned by M-Sport to produce just under
296 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all
four wheels through a Sadev five-speed sequential gearbox with the help of
bespoke front/rear differentials.
The original Fiat Panda enjoyed a long
lifespan from its introduction in 1980 until 2003 when production ended. The
model used by M-Sport as a base for the exterior is a facelifted example from
the ’90s. As you would expect, the Panda went through a series of modifications
in order to fit on a racecar chassis, with development taking several months.
First of all the wheelbase is longer, measuring 2,480 mm instead
of the original 2,160 mm, with significantly wider front and rear
tracks and larger-diameter wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero tires.
The Pandamonium retains the boxy shape of
the humble Panda but takes it to another level thanks to a wide body kit.
Custom-designed parts include the boxy front and rear fenders adding 360 mm to the width of the car, a new front bumper with larger intakes
and an integrated splitter, wider side sills, and a rear diffuser housing a
centrally-mounted exhaust pipe.
Inside we find an FIA homologated roll
cage, proper racing seats with six-point harnesses, a new steering wheel, and
not much else besides the necessary switches for operating the vehicle. The
Pandamonium is a one-off special, however, the company hinted at similar
projects for the future by launching the M-Sport Special Vehicles (MS-SV)
division.
