The World Rally Championship is
open to Group A, Group N and Formula 2 cars, with the
quickest cars generally running in Group A.
GROUP A cars are heavily
modlfied, but based on production cars. The manufacturer must make at least 2500
examples of the road car in 12 months before it can be used in competition, and
the standard version must be a four seater - assuming the engine is larger than
one litre.The rally car must be broadly slmilar to its road counterpart. The
steel bodyshell must be retained, along with major engine components, such as
the cylinder block, the cylinder head, and the turbo. Turbochargers must be
fitted with a 38 millimetre air restrictor.
All suspension parts may be
changed, but they must work in the same way as the original sus- pension: the
mounting points on the bodyshell may be moved, but only within strict limits.
The transmission must be generally similar to the standard cars: it isn't
permited to turn a two- wheel drive into a four-wheel drive car. However,
manufacturers can use substitute gearboxes and differentials by specifying them
in advance. In the same way, they can replace the entire braking system.
GROUP N cars are much more
standard than Group A cars, and are sometimes known as the "showroom
class". They must be made in the same quantity as Group A cars, but they
must retain all the standard seats and interior trim. Full safety and rally
equipment can be fitted, as in Group A, which includes roll cages, fire
extinguishers, sumpguards, and extra lights, but the only performance
modifications are replacement springs and shock absorbers, competition tyres,
and harder-wearing brake pads. Turbo Group N cars must also be fitted with a 36
millimetre air restrictor.
Mitsubishi EVO VI
