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 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4: Japan’s Rally Hero for the Road In the late 1980s, Mitsubishi dominated the high-flying world of Group A rallying with the turbocharged, four-wheel drive Lancer Evolution model. Seeking to capture sales from success on the motorsport stage, they launched a road-going version called the Galant VR-4 to bring fierce rally-bred performance…
The Lancia 037 is a mid-engine rally car built by Italian car manufacturer Lancia in the early 1980s. The developers had purpose-built it to compete in the FIA World Rally Championship, and in 1983, it became the last rear-wheel drive car to win the championship. A supercharged four-cylinder engine producing around 265 horsepower powered the…
What is dirtfish? DirtFish is a renowned rally driving school and experience center located in Snoqualmie, Washington. It was founded in 2010 and offers a range of driving courses and experiences, from beginner to advanced levels. Set in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, DirtFish utilizes its diverse and challenging terrain to teach the skills…
The Legendary Fiat 131 Racing Miracle In the 1970s, Fiat found racing success with an unlikely challenger – the everday Fiat 131 family sedan. Through innovation, passion and determination, Fiat engineers transformed this humble car into a rally giant killer, going head to head with the likes of Porsche, Mercedes and Lancia. The rear-wheel-drive 131…
The Giant-Slaying Fiat 131 Abarth In the late 1970s, an unfancied Italian challenger arrived to shake up the world rally championship. The boxy little Fiat 131 Abarth overcame extreme odds by toppling rivals with superior power and pedigree. Through determination and development, the 131 Abarth evolved into a giant-slayer against established competitors. In the hands…
Installing skid plates to protect a car’s vulnerable underbody parts has long been a popular modification for off-roading. But some motorsport enthusiasts take skid plating to the extreme, essentially creating unique “skid plate cars” designed for competitive abuse over the roughest terrain. Engineering Skid Plates for Maximum Protection The core of any skid plate car…
The mid-engine Lancia 037 was the last rear-wheel-drive car to claim the World Rally Championship back in 1983, defeating the high-tech Audi Quattros. This lightweight, nimble machine embodied the final evolution of traditional rally car design before four-wheel-drive and significant aerodynamics became mandatory. An Unlikely Champion Over All-Wheel-Drive Rivals The limited-production 037 triumphed when the…
Like many young racing enthusiasts, you may dream of becoming a professional NASCAR driver one day. It’s natural to watch stars like Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin battle it out on Sundays and imagine yourself behind the wheel. Yet making it to the top series in auto racing’s biggest stage seems like an…