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 Volkswagen Golf GTI Rally Car hatchback became a shockingly capable and successful rally car during the 1980s and 90s. Custom built Group A and Group N GTI rally cars pinch hit for VW’s WRC team and frequently outpaced formidable opponents. Volkswagen Golf GTI Rally Car Humble Hot Hatch Origins When initially launched in 1976,…
The mid-engine Lancia Stratos HF fundamentally changed rally racing with its radical body, nimble handling, and powerful V6 engine. Despite limited production, the Stratos became a legend by dominating events worldwide thanks to an innovative purpose-built design unmatched in the 1970s. Lancia Stratos HF Revolutionary Concept Origins The Stratos project began life as a styling…
The Porsche 356 Rally Car proved a shockingly adept rally car during the 1950s and early 1960s. With its rear-engine traction, the little German coupe could embarrass much larger machinery in tough stage rally events worldwide thanks to durability and agility. Humble Production Car Origins When introduced in 1948, the Porsche 356 was conceived as…
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…
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…