Group B Rally
Group B was the category that captured the publics imagination and brought rallying a huge audience. This in turn would be it's downfall. The cars were so fast and powerfull that they will never be seen again on the special stages.
Contents at a Glance
Group B Rally History
In 1982 FISA, the world motorsport governing body, at the time introduced a new category into rallying. Initially the regulations were to assist manufacturers such as Ford and Audi to build a special category of car which the then formula did not allow. The manufacturers Audi and Ford wanted the regulations opened up to enable them to build more specialized vehicles for rallying. FISA granted these wishes and in 1982 introduced Group B, A and N to replace the existing categories.
The Group B regulations allowed for greater technical freedoms, which the governing body did not envisage. The manufactures could now build spaceframed racers akin to the cars developed for road racing in the 1950's and 60's e.g. The Ferrari LM .
Once the regulations came into place a technical revolution took place quicker than anticipated and numerous manufacturers were clamouring to join the World Rally Championship. This revolution consisted of mid-engined, 4WD, turbo and supercharged machines putting out in excess of 500 bhp. These vehicles would become known as the Group B supercars. The escalation in performance led to increased spectator numbers and bigger accidents which resulted in fatalities and by 1986 it was the end for group B.
The Group B regulations allowed for greater technical freedoms, which the governing body did not envisage. The manufactures could now build spaceframed racers akin to the cars developed for road racing in the 1950's and 60's e.g. The Ferrari LM .
Once the regulations came into place a technical revolution took place quicker than anticipated and numerous manufacturers were clamouring to join the World Rally Championship. This revolution consisted of mid-engined, 4WD, turbo and supercharged machines putting out in excess of 500 bhp. These vehicles would become known as the Group B supercars. The escalation in performance led to increased spectator numbers and bigger accidents which resulted in fatalities and by 1986 it was the end for group B.
The Cars
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Audi Quattro Sport S1 E2
The S1 E2 made it's debut on the Olympus Rally in 1985 and sported a radical number of changes to it's predecessor, the quattro sport. This bewinged monster had all it's engine ancilaries moved to the rear. It was much easier to drive than it's predecessor and the shrill from it's 5 cylinder engine left no-one in doubt that this was the ultimate Group B machine. -
Ford RS200
Ford were caught on the hop by the Group B regulations as they anticipated a future with rear wheel drive. This was quickly abandoned when they realized that 4 wheel drive was the way to go, but they were to late. The RS200 wasn't homologated until 1986 and was too heavy and underpowered but had great potential. The car was unique as it had a Bilstien double dampner system, which probably gave the car the best handling characteristics of its Group B rivals. -
Lancia Delta S4
The S4 had a difficult development as was delayed in its homologation much to the consternation of its drivers. But when it arrived it was probably the most sophisticated vehicle. It sported a turbocharged and supercharged engine delivering enormous torque and power. On the downside the car was the most difficult to drive because of its twitchy handling characteristics. Henri Toivonen would lose his life at the wheel of this supercar. Hence the formula would be banned.
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QuantumTraveler
May 8, 2008 @ 3:56 pm | delete
- Thanks for your history of the Group B Rally. I really enjoyed it because I love everything about all types of cars.
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