Motor Head

Remembering Group B

In an issue dedicated to unadulterated horsepower and testosterone, no class of race cars more exemplifies this concept than the Group B rally cars of the early 80’s. Unlike Group A cars which were modified production models of that era, Group B vehicles were built solely for racing.

The FIA only required manufacturers to build a minimum of 200 units to get them homologated to race in Group B. With very few restrictions, automakers were able to go nuts in the design of these cars. Utilizing the latest technology (kevlar and carbon fiber chassis, superchargers, turbo’s...etc), companies were able to produce ridiculously lightweight cars capable of producing over 500 hp. Cars such as the Audio Quattro, Lancia Stratos and Renault R5 Turbo were insane to watch and attracted a lot of spectators to the World Rally Championships. The series became the premier platform for manufacturers to showcase their technology and engineering capabilities.

All you have to do is search youtube for the on-board footage of Walter Röhl in the 600hp Audi Quattro to get a sense of awe that these Group B monsters evoked in that era. These cars were wickedly fast and the roads seemed to barely be able to contain them. Maurice Guaslard, former head of Michelin’s rally program had this to say about Group B in 1986:

“Rallying has reached a point such that the speed limitation is the profile of the road. If everything goes right for the drivers, there is no more than two or three seconds of difference on a stage. Which means the judge is not the car, the tires, or the drivers - it is the road. They cannot go any faster!”

Unfortunately, as car performance and the WRC’s popularity increased, crowd control and safety became major issues. The crowds were overwhelming at rallys; some spectators even got close enough to reach out and touch the cars as they passed. Looking back on some of the vintage footage from that era, it’s more of a surprise that there weren’t more incidents involving spectators. Finally, after some fatal accidents involving spectators, Ford and Audi pulled out of the championship in 1986 and the FIA banned Group B the very next year.

Technology advancements in chassis and suspension design have enabled the modern day rally car to be just as fast as the Group B cars despite being limited to only 300 hp. However, the Rally super cars of the 80’s will always be remembered for their wild style and crazy power that embodied the spirit of Rallying in the era.

For reference, check out the documentary Too Fast to Race and youtube videos of Group B car such as the Lancia Delta S4 and the Audi Quattro S1.