The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a rally homologation special based on the fifth-generation European Ford Escort. It was designed to qualify as a Group A car for the World Rally Championship, in which it competed between 1993 and 1998. It was available as a production car from 1992 through 1996 in very limited numbers. The first 2,500 cars produced before January 1, 1993, are in fact “homologation special versions.” It was instantly recognizable due to its large “whale tail” rear spoiler.