WRC future

[Mirek]

To me, I just don't see what a space frame chassis means to a manufacturer or to consumers, particularly an outsourced standard FIA spec one as suggested by Zeakiwi2?

It gives an opportunity to join to any manufacturer (unlike the production-based vehicles). That is a big reason alone. Aside of that it makes the development of the car way easier for the manufacturers.

People already complain about the disconnect between rallying and road going vehicles. Where does the value lie in competing or winning in rallying with that prototype?

Who complains? The few of old-fashioned hardcore fans? Those make a tiny percentage of the target audience.

What does it prove?

It proves exactly the same as the current generation of WRC cars or the one before, or the other before. Or do you really belive you bought a half-WRC car when you bought a stock Citroën C4?