Japanese rally car have a rich history in motorsport.
Manufacturers like Subaru and Mitsubishi have produced iconic rally cars, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
These cars are known for their all-wheel-drive systems, turbocharged engines, and rally successes.
Rally racing in Japan is popular, and the country has also hosted events like the Rally Japan. These cars have gained a global following among motorsport enthusiasts for their performance and reliability.
The Japanese battled fiercely for 1990s Group A supremacy. Subaru won three straight manufacturer’s crowns from 1995-1997 with the Impreza WRX thanks to rally-bred boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive. Drivers Colin McRae and Tommi Mäkinen pushed the Subarus to the limit.
The Mitsubishi Mirage Rally car subcompact seems an unlikely choice to conquer the World Rally Championship against imposing European machinery. But through relentless development, Mitsubishi transformed the humble Mirage into a dominant force in international rallying throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Driven by champions like Tommi Mäkinen, Mirage rally cars overcame power…
The Group A cars FIA’s regulations produced some of rallying’s most iconic competition cars, from 1987 to 1997. Replacing the short-lived Group B era, Group A prescribed modified production-based models instead of fascinating prototypes. Costs were lower but competition was no less fierce. Group A fostered intense manufacturer rivalries and bred all-time rally legends still…
The Datsun 240Z is an iconic Japanese sports car famous for bringing exhilarating performance to the masses. But the 240Z also built a hidden history as a giant-slaying rally car defeating European machinery in international events throughout the 1970s. Though never intended for motorsports, the affordable 240Z proved a potent force on the world’s toughest…
Suzuki Rally car may lack the racing pedigree of Toyota or Subaru, but the Japanese automaker has enjoyed hard-fought success in rally competitions worldwide. Leveraging lightweight chassis, momentum conservation, and high-revving engines, underdog Suzuki models like the Swift, Ignis, and SX4 have scored impressive upsets against more powerful competitors. Let’s explore Suzuki’s greatest rally…
The meaning of STI Subaru enthusiasts, the two letters “STI” carry significant meaning. Badged on high-performance icons like the WRX STI sedan and the latest STI Type RA, those three letters signal the pinnacle of Subaru’s engineering capabilities. The STI name is intertwined with Subaru’s rally racing heritage and most powerful street cars. Let’s explore…
Honda Fit Rally Car subcompact seems an unlikely choice for off-road rally competition against machines built for racing like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. But thanks to clever engineering maximizing its dimensions and powertrain, the Fit earned respect as a giant-killing racer on loose surfaces worldwide. Let’s examine how Honda transformed its humble hatchback into a…
Subaru Race Car comes to rally racing, few automakers can match the success of Subaru. The brand has claimed multiple driver’s and manufacturer’s championships in the World Rally Championship thanks to fast and durable race cars like the Impreza WRX STI. Let’s look back at some of the most significant and memorable competition Subarus. 1992…
For those new to the world of motorsports, rally racing can seem confusing and inaccessible at first. But beneath the surface, rally definition provides some of the most exciting, skill-driven racing around. Let’s explore what makes rally unique and why it has such devoted fans worldwide. Definiting Rally Racing? Rally racing involves driving modified production-based…