THE GROUP B CARS - 22 most important cars

By T.J.

The roar of turbocharged engines, the thrill of all-wheel-drive traction carving through 
slippery mud, snow, and gravel—this was the world of Group B rallying, the golden 
era of motorsport that changed the game forever. Between 1982 and 1986, a fleet of 
groundbreaking, monster machines hit the rally stages, creating some of the most 
legendary cars the world has ever seen. 
Imagine cars with 450 horsepower, 600 horsepower, or more—machines designed 
without compromise and engineered for one thing: to dominate the harshest, most 
treacherous rally stages. From the iconic Audi Quattro that pioneered four-wheel drive, 
to the fearsome Lancia Delta S4 with its twin-charged engines, Group B was a 
playground for the boldest engineers and the bravest drivers. These cars didn't just 
race—they defied physics. 
But with great power came great risk. The ruthless speed of these machines often 
crossed the line, bringing tragedy and danger to both drivers and spectators. Group B 
pushed boundaries, shattered records, and at the same time, raised questions about the 
limits of human courage and technological excess. 
This was an era of cars that were as wild as they were beautiful, as dangerous as they 
were thrilling. Whether it was the Peugeot 205 T16, the Ford RS200, or the audacious 
Mazda RX-7, these cars will never be forgotten, and their mythical status only grows 
with time. 
In this book, we'll take you through the blood-pumping stories, the engineering 
marvels, and the unforgettable legends that defined Group B. A tribute to the golden 
age of rallying, where every second was a battle for supremacy and every victory was 
hard-earned. Welcome to the world of Group B—where speed, passion, and 
innovation collide. Prepare for a journey like no other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MotorsTJ
• Release date: May 13, 2025
• ISBN: 9798231308347

Book preview

Índice

Introduction to the Group B Era: A Wild Ride of Speed, Power, and Innovation

Audi Quattro S1: The Definitive Rally Car of Its Era

Lancia 037: The Rear-Wheel Drive Champion

Peugeot 205 T16: The Group B Powerhouse

Ford RS200: The Group B Prodigy

Lancia Delta S4: The Apex of Group B Engineering

MG Metro 6R4: The British Bulldog of Group B

Citroën BX 4TC: A Quirky Contender in the Group B Arena

Citroën Visa 1000 Pistes: A Quirky Gem of Rallying History

Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione: Ferrari’s Group B Dream

Ford Escort RS 1700T: The Group B Contender That Never Took Off

Lada VFTS: The Soviet Rally Icon

Mitsubishi Starion 4WD: The Forgotten Group B Challenger

Peugeot 305 V6: A Forgotten Prototype of the Group B Era

Porsche 911 SC RS: The Privateer’s Rally Weapon

Porsche 959: The Pioneer of Modern Supercars

Renault 5 Turbo: The Rally Legend

Renault 5 Maxi Turbo: The Ultimate Evolution

Škoda 130 LR: The Czech Group B Contender

Toyota Celica Twin-Cam Turbo (Group B)

Mazda RX-7 4x4 (Group B): A Forgotten Rally Beast

Nissan 240RS (Group B)

Opel Manta 400 (Group B)

BMW M1 Group B: History, Development, and Legacy

Summary of the Group B Era

Ralis 1983-1986 Group B

Tribute to Henri Toivonen and Sergio Cresto

Fatal Crash in Corsega 1986

Group B photos

Introduction to the Group B Era: A Wild Ride of Speed, Power, and Innovation

The roar of turbocharged engines, the thrill of all-wheel-drive traction carving through slippery mud, snow, and gravel—this was the world of Group B rallying, the golden era of motorsport that changed the game forever. Between 1982 and 1986, a fleet of groundbreaking, monster machines hit the rally stages, creating some of the most legendary cars the world has ever seen.

Imagine cars with 450 horsepower, 600 horsepower, or more—machines designed without compromise and engineered for one thing: to dominate the harshest, most treacherous rally stages. From the iconic Audi Quattro that pioneered four-wheel drive, to the fearsome Lancia Delta S4 with its twin-charged engines, Group B was a playground for the boldest engineers and the bravest drivers. These cars didn't just race—they defied physics.

But with great power came great risk. The ruthless speed of these machines often crossed the line, bringing tragedy and danger to both drivers and spectators. Group B pushed boundaries, shattered records, and at the same time, raised questions about the limits of human courage and technological excess.

This was an era of cars that were as wild as they were beautiful, as dangerous as they were thrilling. Whether it was the Peugeot 205 T16, the Ford RS200, or the audacious Mazda RX-7, these cars will never be forgotten, and their mythical status only grows with time.

In this book, we’ll take you through the blood-pumping stories, the engineering marvels, and the unforgettable legends that defined Group B. A tribute to the golden age of rallying, where every second was a battle for supremacy and every victory was hard-earned. Welcome to the world of Group B—where speed, passion, and innovation collide. Prepare for a journey like no other.

Audi Quattro S1: The Definitive Rally Car of Its Era

The Audi Quattro S1, particularly in its final evolution as the Sport Quattro S1 E2, was a technological marvel of its time, designed for absolute dominance in the unforgiving and high-risk world of Group B rallying. To fully appreciate its legacy, a detailed examination of its design, competition history, engineering, and cultural impact is essential.

1985, Audi, Sport, Quattro, S 1, Group b, Rally, Race, Racing ...

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Design and Philosophy

The Audi Quattro S1 wasn’t just a car; it was the embodiment of Audi’s commitment to engineering innovation and motorsport excellence. Its design philosophy was focused on harnessing the unique advantages of all-wheel drive (AWD), maximizing power output, and improving durability under the harshest conditions.

Body and Chassis Innovations

The S1 E2 featured cutting-edge materials and a radically reshaped body to enhance performance:

Kevlar and Carbon Fiber Panels: These lightweight materials reduced the car’s overall weight while maintaining structural rigidity, crucial for handling in extreme conditions.

Shortened Wheelbase: This design, often referred to as Sport Quattro, made the car more agile in tight turns, compensating for the increased weight of the AWD system.

Aerodynamics: The car sported extensive aerodynamic aids, including:

A massive rear wing that provided exceptional downforce.

Enlarged front splitter to stabilize the front end and improve high-speed handling.

Air vents and cooling ducts to manage the heat produced by its powerful engine and brakes.

Cockpit and Controls

The cockpit was spartan but purpose-built, with all dials and controls designed for quick readability and functionality during high-intensity rally stages.

A short-throw gear shifter and a small, thick-rimmed steering wheel facilitated rapid inputs from the driver.

Advanced gauges monitored turbo boost, oil pressure, and suspension telemetry, reflecting Audi's attention to detail in providing actionable feedback to drivers.

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The Powertrain

At the heart of the Audi Quattro S1 was its iconic turbocharged five-cylinder engine, an engineering masterpiece that defined the car’s character:

Key Features of the Engine

Power Delivery: The engine’s 600 hp was nearly unprecedented for rally cars of its era, making it one of the most powerful cars ever to compete in the WRC.

Turbocharger Setup: The large KKK turbo ensured breathtaking power outputs, but its significant lag demanded incredible skill from drivers to manage power delivery efficiently.

Induction and Cooling: The S1 used advanced intercooling systems to manage intake temperatures, ensuring consistent performance during grueling stages.

Audi Quattro S1 working engine - YouTube

Transmission and Differential

The Quattro S1 utilized an innovative AWD system, one of its most celebrated features:

The system split power dynamically between the front and rear axles, ensuring optimal traction on diverse surfaces like ice, gravel, and mud.

Adjustable locking differentials allowed drivers to fine-tune handling characteristics based on the conditions.

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Suspension and Handling

The rough terrains of rally racing demanded a suspension capable of absorbing extreme impacts while maintaining precision handling. The S1 featured:

Double-Wishbone Suspension: Independent for all four wheels, this setup provided superior handling over undulating surfaces.

Hydraulic Dampers: Tuned for quick rebound and compression, ensuring maximum contact between tires and the road.

Rugged Construction: Designed to withstand the severe impacts of jumps and rough terrain.

These systems gave the S1 exceptional stability, particularly on high-speed runs through gravel stages or snow-laden roads.

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Competition Legacy

The Audi Quattro S1 E2’s competition record speaks to its brilliance, though its time in the spotlight was curtailed by the abrupt end of Group B in 1986.

Iconic Wins and Moments

1984 and 1985 Seasons: The S1 secured multiple podiums and wins across rally stages, dominating surfaces where its AWD system could shine.

Rally Finland 1985: Stig Blomqvist piloted the S1 to a stunning victory, showcasing its raw power and precision handling.

Michèle Mouton’s Trailblazing Performances: Mouton, one of the first female drivers to compete at the highest level, achieved stunning successes, including winning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 1985 in a Quattro S1, setting a record time.

The Group B Rivalries

The Quattro S1 competed in an era filled with technological and performance innovation:

Peugeot 205 T16: A fierce competitor with mid-engine design and lightweight construction.

Lancia Delta S4: Known for its twincharging (turbo and supercharger), the Delta rivaled the Quattro in speed.

Despite this, the Quattro S1 consistently delivered dominance on loose terrains like snow, where AWD provided unmatched traction.

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Impact of Group B’s Cancellation

The Group B era, known for its blistering speeds and cutting-edge cars, came to a tragic end after several high-profile accidents. The cancellation in 1986 marked the end of Audi’s Quattro S1 in active competition, but by then, it had already left an indelible legacy in motorsport.

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Legacy and Modern Influence

The Quattro S1’s influence extends far beyond its rally days. It redefined AWD as a cornerstone of performance engineering, impacting the design of road cars and motorsport vehicles alike.

Technological Contributions

Audi’s quattro AWD system, pioneered in rallying, became a hallmark feature in Audi’s production lineup and inspired competitors to adopt