This accommodation was required as the floor pan of the regular Mk 5 Escort was designed for front-wheel-drive only initially (although a four-wheel drive version, the RS2000 4x4, was soon introduced).

Two main versions were produced; The initial 2,500 units were "homologation specials" used to fulfil FIA accreditation for Group A and were completed by January 1, 1993.

Due to high demand, Ford kept the large turbo version in production until June 1994 even though the homologation number of 2,500 had been full-filled.

From June 1994, the second generation model was produced featuring a smaller Garrett T25 turbocharger and a revised engine management system; the original Weber-Marelli IAW P8 installation was replaced by Ford EEC IV.

Additionally the body was strengthened in key areas (front and rear suspension mounts) along with the fuel pump access panel riveted, not welded in place.

The Standard version was more civilised with additional options available that were unavailable on the Motorsport base; electric windows, sunshine roof, central locking, remote boot release, carpeted door bins.

During the latter part of the 1992 season, development of the Sierra Cosworth came to an end, and the works team drivers Francois Delecour and Miki Biasion concentrated on readying the Escort for competition.

The pair led the event until the final night, when a late charge by Didier Auriol, driving a Toyota Celica, saw him win, with the Fords second and third.

The works team returned for the Portuguese Rally, Delecour led almost from the start and won the event with Biasion second, establishing both car and driver as serious contenders for that year's World Championship.

Delecour won again in Corsica, and Biasion in Greece – his first win for three years – putting them first and second in the drivers' championship, and Ford in the joint lead in the manufacturers' title.

Nevertheless, the result was a disappointment for Ford since, although Delecour won the penultimate round of the season, in Catalunya, he lost the world title to Kankkunen.

Biasion finished third in Portugal, but he was unable to keep up with the Toyotas, and his results did not improve thereafter, amid reports that his relationship with the team was deteriorating.

With the exception of Vatanen's third place in Argentina (followed by retirement after a major crash in New Zealand while challenging for third), results were indifferent and the team faced some criticism for its dependence upon Delecour.

The final guest driver proved a greater success, however: on a one-off drive for the team, Tommi Mäkinen won the 1994 1000 Lakes Rally.

Group A cars also had to run with a smaller turbo restrictor than previously, which was a particular handicap for Ford, since the rally Escort's seven-speed gearbox was not well suited to a lower-revving engine.

The semi-trailing-arm rear suspension, judged one of the Cosworth's weak points, was replaced with MacPherson struts, and modifications were made to the bodywork and transmission.

These titles include: In 1993 Pierre-César Baroni and 1994 Belgian driver Patrick Snijers won the European Rally Championship with the Escort Rs Cosworth.

It was, in fact, used during two Grands Prix in the 1992 season to trial this new safety concept, which was officially introduced in the sport the following year (using other road cars).