New generation S2000 cars with 1.6 liter turbocharged engines will be allowed to take part and score points in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2012. This becomes clear as the series otganiser and promotor Euorsport Events anounced the new rules for the upcoming IRC season.

In 2011, IRC refused to give chapionship points to these cars and that's why their participation in the series was barely visible. The so called "new generation S2000"cars are very close to the WRC cars as the main difference in the turbo restrictor (30mm), the aerodymanic kit and the brakes.

Untill now only two manufacturers have developed cars in this category - Ford with their Fiest RRC and Mini with their John Cooper Works SUper Production.

According to the rules for 2012 all drivers who take part in IRC will count on their 8 best results achieved in the season. For second consecutive year Rally Cyprus which is the last round of the series will bring the competitors double amount of points.