Group B

In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A and Group B referred to two sets of regulations for competition vehicles in touring car and rally racing. Group B was introduced by the FIA in 1982 as replacement for both Group 4 (modified grand touring) and Group 5 (touring prototypes) cars.

Disposition

Although 1987 saw the end of the Group B cars on the world stage, they did not disappear from motor sport. Peugeot adapted their T16 to run in the Dakar Rally. Ari Vatanen won the event in 1989 and 1990. Improved Peugeot and Audi cars also competed in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb in Colorado. Audi used their Group B experience to develop a sports racing car for the IMSA series in 1990. Ford sold off their RS200s to private buyers, with many being used in Rallycross events. The Metro 6R4 also became a frequent sight in Rallycross and the car was also entered in British and Irish national championship events. Porsche's 959 never entered a World Rally event, although it did compete in the Middle East championship and swept the Dakar.

Related Topics:
Dakar Rally - 1989 - 1990 - Pikes Peak Hillclimb - Colorado - IMSA - Rallycross - 959

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In recent years the popular Colin McRae Rally computer game series has brought the extinct Group B cars to the attention of younger generations by including many of of them as un-lockable 'bonus cars' to reward progress in the game. Screenshot

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