Rally car originated from the WRC, this kind of car is the designated car for the WRC.
According to the FIA competition rules, rally cars must be prototypes with an annual production of more than 2,500 units. Maximum engine power is not allowed to exceed 221 kW (300 hp). At the same time, there are strict standards for the size and quality of the modified rally car, as well as its displacement and power.
The tires chosen for these cars are usually all-terrain tires, but there are also many turtle back tires and pineapple tires. These tires are suitable for a wide range of terrains, improving the ability to drive on unpaved roads, and are also concerned with the durability and abrasion resistance of the tread. Accordingly, they are far less grippe than hot melt tires when driven on the road. This also makes the cornering ability of a rally car, much worse than a sports model.
Rally cars have long damping travel and are not as supportive when cornering. In order to adapt to various bumpy terrains and provide the driver with a comfortable driving experience, the shock absorbers and cushions of rally cars are soft.
The Fiat 125 Rally car, during the legendary 1960s and 70s era that pioneered European rally racing as we know it, Italy’s Fiat succeeded against more advanced opposition with the unassuming Fiat 125 sedan. Lacking the technology of rivals, the 125 made up ground where it counted most – inspired driving. Let’s explore how Fiat…
Focus ST Rally car stands as one of the most popular hot hatches worldwide blending practicality with seriously quick pace. But beyond twisting backroads, Ford and privateers have further cultivated the Focus ST’s performance pedigree through rally racing success since its launch in 2004. Equipped with grip-maximizing differentials and beefed-up turbocharged engines, multiple iterations of…
Dirt Car USA of all the racing genres, dirt track competition provides some of the most intense action and passionate regional fanbases across America. Racing on oval dirt tracks, often in rural areas, dirt track racing offers an analog experience focused on talent and car control rather than technology alone. Let’s dig into the origins,…
The RAV4 Rally Car compact SUV seems an unlikely candidate for off-road rally competition against purebred racers. But Toyota impressively transformed this friendly crossover into a podium-finishing gravel rally machine through extensive modifications and racing development. Let’s explore how Toyota maximized the production of RAV4’s basic qualities to create an unexpected rally threat despite its…
Polo R Rally car made by Volkswagen hatchback seems an unlikely candidate for high-level rally competition against purpose-built race cars. But Volkswagen Motorsport cleverly optimized multiple generations of Polo from 2010 onward into giant-killing rally cars competitive in S1600 and GRC classes. Punching above its weight through extensive modifications, rally versions of the Polo provide…
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…
Lotus Rally car name conjures images of racetrack glory in Formula 1 and sports car racing. But the British automaker also boasts a lesser-known history of giant-killing achievements in international rally competitions. Despite modest resources, Lotus models including the Cortina MK2 and Sunbeam Lotus stunned established makes in the 1960s and 1970s. Let’s explore how…
Old Ford Rally Car cultivated an illustrious rally racing history stretching back to the 1960s. Despite lacking fascinating technology, tough Fords like the Cortina, Escort, and Fiesta scored upsets in major events including Monte Carlo through clever engineering, talent, and perseverance. Let’s revisit the origins of Ford’s rally success and the everyman models that established…