Tough, tougher… Porsche?
Porsche has enjoyed a relatively long and successful run in the world of cross-country rally. One of the most iconic is the German automaker's stint in the famous Dakar Rally. Let's take a drive down memory lane to see whether this sports car maker’s involvement in Dakar and other motorsport events played a part to shape them as one of the most prominent players in the luxury SUV segment.
It's the early 1980’s, and I haven't been born yet. What was born, though, and already in full dramatic swing was Group B rallying. This class of rallying was seen as one where the rule book didn't exist. Even the laws of physics were put to the test. Manufacturers had no restriction of power – and thanks to the development and introduction of all-wheel drive, the grip was not an issue. Rally legend Walter Röhrl once said that competing in Group B was like wrestling bears blindfolded.
For manufacturers, the series’ gain in popularity was well
