Group B Top 5 Rally Race Cars: An Infamous Group

Group B Top 5 Rally Race Cars: An Infamous Group

Breaking Down Group-B Rally Cars

White and red Toyota Celica TCT parked on a red carpet near people
Toyota Celica Twin-Cam Turbo “King of Africa” rally car.
Source: Wiki Commons

#5 Toyota’s Celica Twin Turbo marked Japan’s ambitious entry into the high-stakes world of Group B rally racing. Powered by a turbocharged inline-four engine and equipped with advanced four-wheel-drive technology, this sleek contender challenged the dominance of European manufacturers on rally circuits worldwide. While its participation in Group B was cut short, the Celica Twin Turbo showcased Japan’s growing influence in motorsport and set the stage for future successes in rally racing as it won in the Safari Rally & Ivory Coast Rally earning the nickname “King of Africa”.

White and red Toyota driven by a man passing trees
Driven at Festival of Speed, Goodwood 2009 to commemorate the Toyota Celica TCT
Source: Toyota UK
Black and white photo of Ford Escort right next to an Audi Quattro
Ford vs. Audi?
Source: Wiki Commons

#4 The Ford Escort RS200 A “British Contender” emerged as a symbol of British ingenuity and determination in the Group B arena. Equipped with a mid-engine design and a turbocharged inline-four, this lightweight marvel offered unparalleled agility and responsiveness on rally stages. Although Ford’s foray into Group B was brief, the Escort RS200 left an enduring legacy, showcasing the manufacturer’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation.

White and blue Ford Escort RS200 with a man behind the wheel
Source: Wiki Commons
White with accent colors of a Peugeot T16 parked near grass and trees
Many rally cars utilized the smaller blocks of an Inline-four which aided in the increased handling needed to traverse the cross-terrain circuits.
Source: Sotheby

#3 Peugeot‘s 205 T16 left an indelible mark on Group B history, showcasing the French manufacturer’s engineering prowess. Featuring a mid-engine layout and a turbocharged inline-four, this compact powerhouse dominated rally circuits with its blistering acceleration and nimble handling. Despite its short-lived tenure in Group B, the 205 T16’s success solidified Peugeot’s legacy as a force to be reckoned with in motorsport.

White Peugeot T16 parked on a racetrack
The mighty French Inline-four!
Source: Wiki Commons
Lancia Delta S4 driving on a dirt road
The notorious Martini race livery adorning the Lancia Delta S4.
Source: Lancia

#2 Lancia’s Delta S4 epitomized the fusion of power and danger in Group B. Sporting a mid-engine layout and a supercharged and turbocharged powerplant, this Italian marvel unleashed over 500 horsepower on rally stages. However, its ferocious performance came with a price, as the Delta S4’s volatile combination of raw power and lightweight construction posed significant risks to drivers and spectators alike.

white Lancia Delta S4 parked in a stark white room with the rear open
Source: Motorsport

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