The 1980s Rally cars category produced the most powerful and technologically advanced rally cars the motorsport world had ever seen. Manufacturers took advantage of loose restrictions to develop short-run homologation specials with cutting-edge engineering and over 600 horsepower. Group B attracted large factory efforts until speeds grew too dangerous, ending the era abruptly. But Group…
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…
EVO X Rally car, the muscular Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X sought to uphold the Evo lineage’s reputation for rally-bred performance. While roadgoing Evo X models impress on the tarmac, the specially built Evo X rally car proved Mitsubishi saved the best for competition use only in the WRC and other major events. Let’s examine how…
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…
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…