Thread by Cotterik + Mustang
FIA (International Automobile Federation) introduced Group B in 1982 as the most exotic category in motor rallying. The regulations for Group B required the manfacturers to build only 200 road cars, very much lower than Group A's 5000 cars. Besides, more modifications were allowed for the race version. Therefore car makers could put as much state-of-the-art technology as possible into their racing cars.
This created a golden era in motor rallying history - Audi, Lancia, Peugoet, Ford, Citroen and Austin Rover created many super rally cars to compete in World Rally Championship, all with at least 400 horsepower, lightweight Kevlar body and most of them were mid-engined and 4-wheel drive also. Recalling that period, motor rally enthusiasts always regard that as the best moment of their life. WRC had never been as exciting as that period.
What a pity the Group B ended in misery. In 1986 season, series of accidents involving spectators as well as led to the death of Lancia's top driver Henri Toivonen and navigator Sergio Cresto happened. Group B was accused of being too powerful and too light to be controllable. As a result, FIA axed it after that season.