This Lancia Delta S4 time attack is the perfect way to start your weekend
Twin-charging and short gear ratios are where it's at
Group B rallying came to an end in 1986 after a tragic accident involving a Ford RS200 in Portugal, so you'll only ever see these high-horsepower legends on demonstration runs or sitting stationary at a car show.
Thankfully, the driver of this Lancia Delta S4 is more than happy to keep the spirit of Group B alive, slinging the all-wheel drive, twin-charged rally car up a hillclimb course in a flurry of gear changes and unbridled power.
Using what seems like a very close-ratio gearbox, the Delta is flung up the time attack at an almost unbelievable pace, showing off the car's incredible grip, traction and acceleration. In Group B trim, the Delta S4 was tuned to around 550bhp using both a turbocharger and a supercharger to boost a 1.8-litre inline-four engine.
A Delta S4 finished 3rd and 2nd in the 1985 and '86 WRC seasons before Group B was scrapped for the less-lethal Group A specifications. Although this was a blow to the insanity of the motorsport, it did allow the Lancia Delta Integrale to take to the stage, dominating the rally scene thereafter.
Join In
Comments (5)
The Portugal accident didn't kill off Group B, it sounded a death bell though. Henri Toivonen/Sergio Cresto's deaths in Corsica at the hands of a DeltaS4 is what finally closed the door on Group B
I got a ride on one of these (privateer grp B) at Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1986. I'd never experienced a car so much like my race bikes on dirt & asphalt. We also drove it across town in traffic -- it idled at stop lights. Top of my fantasy garage list ever since!
Was that a dogleg shifter I see there? Damn those gears are short.
Awesome, reminds me of watching Alen in Dalby, was also passed by a roadgoing S4 driving up out of Cannes in 1992 when on honeymoon.
Nice!!