Iconic 1980s Ford Sierra RS500 reborn in Cosworth-backed model

The “Carbon Piranha” project was developed by the UK’s Auto Vision Club, with Cosworth responsible for updating the turbocharged engine

Among rally-bred road cars, there are few more iconic or desirable than the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, and one of those 500 cars is set to undergo a very special overhaul in the U.K. The project is called Carbon Piranha.

This tuner has a few differences compared to most other tuners. First of all, it was not built by a world-renowned coachbuilder or tuner, but by the Auto Vision Club and a few partners.

Read: Pre-production Ford Escort RS Cosworth with Jeremy Clarkson ticks a lot of boxes

The online club for car enthusiasts is offering early access membership options for £99 ($129) and £148 ($193) for the chance to own a finished car. They will also receive various “membership discounts and membership benefits.” Essentially, it’s a crowdfunded restoration project.

Dubbed the Vision 148, the updated Ford RS500 is a far cry from the stock car. Working with Cosworth, the manufacturing team plans to create a full carbon fiber body for the car designed by Yasid Design. A major goal of the project is to create an RS500 that weighs no more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds).

The project’s name comes from the RS500 used – chassis number 148. Shared photos of the donor car show that it has been locked in a warehouse for years and is missing a number of parts, including the front bumper, grille, and headlights.

Cosworth was responsible for rebuilding the original 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The new car is rated at 224 horsepower, and while the power target for the Vision 148 has not yet been announced, we’re guessing it could be over 300 horsepower. That much power combined with the low overall weight and bold design should make this car an absolute weapon.

The masterminds behind the Vision148 project are keeping us in suspense and have yet to reveal a timeline for its completion.