London, UK – 16 June 2025 – In a strategic move that signals its growing presence in the global motorsport landscape, Horse Powertrain—via its performance engineering arm Aurobay Technologies—has announced a landmark agreement to supply engines for the upcoming ARC2 rally car, developed by US-based JRD Motorsport. The deal marks Horse Powertrain’s first direct partnership with an American customer and underlines its ambition to bring European engine expertise to North American soil.
The ARC2 has been designed to compete in the RC2 class of the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship and will feature a bespoke 2.0-litre turbocharged engine built by Aurobay Technologies in Sweden. Engineered to comply with FIA Rally2 performance standards, the unit will be delivered fully assembled, complete with a locked ECU and tamper-proof seals to ensure regulatory integrity throughout the vehicle’s competitive lifecycle.
Paired with a five-speed sequential gearbox from SGS Racing Transmission, the engine package is tailored for high-stress rally conditions and promises both robust performance and durability.
“This is an exciting moment for Horse Powertrain, marking our first direct deal with a US customer,” said Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain. “I believe our solutions and expertise can be of great value to automakers and OEMs in this region. This agreement also highlights the versatility and competitiveness of our technologies in motorsport applications. We are proud to support JRD Motorsport’s ambition with a proven, high-performance solution developed and built by our team in Sweden.”
A Rally2 Alternative, Made in America
JRD Motorsport is building the ARC2 on a reengineered Chevrolet Sonic platform, equipping it with all-wheel drive, an FIA-certified roll cage, and a proprietary suspension system developed in-house. The ARC2’s mission is clear: to deliver Rally2-grade performance at a significantly lower cost than imported European options, helping to expand access to competitive rallying for privateer teams across the United States.
“Our objective has been to provide a competitive, reliable car that is affordable for American teams,” said Johan Ragnarsson, CEO of JRD Motorsport. “Horse Powertrain’s engine has been essential in achieving this, allowing our new ARC2 rally car to offer world-class performance to racers at a very competitive value.”
A New Chapter for American Rallying
The ARC2 will make its official debut at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis this December, with testing scheduled to begin late in 2025. Initial customer deliveries are planned for early 2026, with strong interest expected from rally teams looking for an American-engineered alternative in the increasingly competitive RC2 class.
With this announcement, Horse Powertrain not only affirms its motorsport credentials but also lays the groundwork for deeper engagement with North American OEMs and motorsport initiatives.
As the global rally community evolves, collaborations like this reflect a broader shift—where technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency converge to define the next generation of rally contenders. And with a Swedish heart and American ambition, the ARC2 is poised to make a powerful impression.
