Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 sedan stood apart in 1990s lineup thanks to its potent turbo powerplant and advanced all-wheel drive system. Developed for domination, the VR-4 opened new possibilities for family sports sedans. Let’s examine this icon of Japanese sports sedans. World Rally Inspired Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Development Mitsubishi drew from its motorsport programs when developing…
The Toyota MR2 carved out a niche as an affordable mid-engine sports car offering everyday usability when it debuted in 1984. Lightweight construction, nimble handling, and a scaleable powertrain made the MR2 a tuner favorite through three generations spanning over 25 years. AW11 Debuts the Formula Toyota engineered the first-generation AW11 MR2 to bring exotic…
Marlboro Rally Car – During motorsport’s tobacco sponsorship era, cigarette brand Marlboro backed some of the world’s most successful rally cars. Vivid red and white Marlboro livery became synonymous with rally racing across teams like Toyota, Peugeot, Mitsubishi, and Audi campaigning Marlboro-branded machines to victory. Group B Supercars Marlboro sponsorship soared most prominently in the…
Muscle car rally during the 1960s and 1970s, American V8 muscle cars surprised the European-dominated rally scene by scoring impressive competition victories. Models like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and AMC Javelin proved their surprising off-road competence against imported purpose-built rally machines. Camaro Z28 SCCA Rally Racers In 1969, Chevrolet’s Camaro Z28 debuted in rallying…
The Mitsubishi Pajero cemented legendary status by dominating the grueling Dakar Rally thanks to robust engineering and clever preparation. For over a decade spanning the late 1990s into the 2000s, specially prepped Pajeros proved nearly unbeatable over thousands of miles of intense off-road terrain. Let’s explore the keys behind this SUV’s Dakar dynasty. Mitsubishi Pajero…
Since its inception in 1978, the brutal Paris-Dakar Rally earned a reputation as motorsport’s most demanding endurance challenge. Covering thousands of miles across punishing terrain, this rally became the ultimate test of determination and machine preparation. Let’s examine what makes the Paris-Dakar so relentlessly challenging. The Paris Dakar Rally Conquering the African Frontier The Paris-Dakar…
The Mini Cooper Rally Car emerged as a shockingly capable car in the 1960s thanks to its lively handling and tuning potential. Despite modest horsepower, specially prepped Minis humbled far more powerful cars to become one of rallying’s greatest underdogs. Let’s explore the Mini’s rise to rally prominence. From Commuter Runabout to Motorsport When initially…
JDM SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Isuzu Trooper. Domestic versions gain unique amenities and upgrades to reflect Japan’s demanding owners. Let’s examine these JDM SUV icons. Toyota Land Cruiser – Conquering the JDM SUVs Outdoors Since launching in 1951, Toyota’s Land Cruiser established itself as Japan’s premier 4×4 for…