Craziest Rally Cars of the Group B Era
The greatest rally cars of all time!
Lancia s4 Delta
Despite the small size of the Lancia S4, it packed an impressive punch that would rival the rally cars of today. The S4 was turbocharged and supercharged, which meant that it could produce an astonishing 550bhp from a mere 4 cylinder engine. It successful won it debut race at the 1985 Lombard RAC Rally, however not everything was so glorious. At the 1986 Tour de Corse, driver Henri Toivonen lost control of the 550bhp S4 and was subsequently killed, along with his co-driver Sergio Cresto. The accident was enough for the FIA to put an end to the Group B era, with the 1986 season being the last.
The Peugeot 205 GTI T16
The Peugeot entered halfway through the 1984 season and achieved two straight Constructors Championships and Drivers Championships in 1985 to 1986. Similar to the Audi Quattro, it employed a four wheel drive system that propelled this pocket-rocket to multiple victories throughout the Group B era. It claimed
Audi Quattro
The formidable Audi Quattro is renown was the main competitor throughout the Group B era, taking consecutive championships in 1983 and 1984 with Hannu Mikkola and Stig Blomqvist behind the wheel. The Audi had an astonishing 591bhp and a revolutionary aerodynamic package that ensured the car had a place in history. Furthermore, the ungodly sound it produced was something the car community marvelled.
Lancia 037
The gorgeous Lancia 037 looked more like a road-going supercar than a Group B rally car. Its Pininfarina styling coupled with it Martini livery epitomised the beauty of rallying. The 037 claimed the 1983 constructors title in the hands of Walter Röhrl and Markku Alén. Despite its looks and initial success, the car lacked grip compared with its four wheel drive rivals and was therefore scrapped in favour for the Lancia S4 Delta which had a better chance of achieving success.
Metro 6R4
The Metro 6R4 was powered by a 410hp 2.9 litre V6 engine that had been developed specifically for Group B rallying by Williams F1. The car achieved immediate success, gaining third place on its inarguable race at the 1985 Lombard Rally. However, the success was short lived, as Group B was banned 6 months later, which ended the might of this Metro 6R4
Ford RS200
The RS200 was produced with the sole intention of Group B in mind. Unveiled in 1985 with a sophisticated fibre-glass body, the car produced just over 400bhp which took the car to third place on its debut at the 1986 Rally Sweden. The Ford was significantly down on power compared to the likes of the Audi Quattro and Lancia S4, which produced over 100hp more. Additionally, the car suffered form having only one turbocharger, and lagged getting off the line.
Feel free to comment any cars that I missed out!
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Comments (5)
Lancia S4 Delta is for the prettiest of them all
Lancia was the rally king, fulvia, stratos 037, s4, delta integrale. I cant remember exactly, but they have 9 or 10 world championship winning... i'm kindof sad that nowadays its dieing :(
Citroen BX 4TC. If crazy is the key word (and not success) that one's got to be there.
I'm not much of a grammar Nazi but a bit of proof reading may have helped before publishing this. Anyway, surely Audi must come in this list before VW.
Renault sport 5😎