Rally racing is where legends are born. It’s a world of dust, grit, and thunderous engines that roar to take on the most brutal terrains. Here are 20 rally cars that have not just owned the dirt tracks but have also etched their names on the world’s podiums.
Subaru Impreza 22B (1998)
In 1998, Subaru released the Subaru Impreza 22B. The car has a 2.2L turbocharged flat-four engine delivering 280 horsepower, conquering rallies with impeccable balance and power delivery. Its build features lightweight aluminum and high-strength steel. The 22B earned a three-peat in the WRC Constructors’ Championship from 1995 through 1997. Only 424 units of the legendary car were produced, turning it into every collector’s dream.
Audi Quattro (1980)
Audi revolutionized rallying with the Quattro, released in 1980 and designed by Ferdinand Piëch. Its 2.1L turbocharged inline-five engine was coupled with a revolutionary Quattro all-wheel drive system, bringing a new concept to rally cars. Built using steel and aluminum panels, it is lightweight and provides both strength and agility. It had 23 WRC victories and two Constructors’ Championships. Cool fact: The Audi Quattro was the first car to prove that all-wheel drive wasn’t just for tractors—it was for champions.
Lancia Delta Integrale (1987)
Launched in 1987, the Lancia Delta Integrale, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, is a rally legend. Its 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine produces 212 hp and has excellent handling. Built from reinforced steel and Kevlar, it combines strength with performance. Six consecutive WRC Constructors’ Championships from 1987 to 1992 solidified its reign. Interesting fact: Its nickname in the rally world is “The King of Rally.”
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (1999)
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, designed by Hiroshi Masuoka, was released in 1999. It came with a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine outputting 276 hp. Light aluminum panels with reinforced steel frames made the car perfect for rallies. The Evolution VI eventually won Tommi Mäkinen his fourth WRC Drivers’ Championship in a row in 1999. It prompted the launch of the limited edition “Tommi Mäkinen Edition,” honoring the champion driver.
Ford Escort RS1800 (1975)
Ford’s AVO team did the design job for Ford when they launched in 1975 the Ford Escort RS1800. It chugged out 250 hp 1.8 L Cosworth BDA inline four-engine. Agile on challenging roads due to light steel monocoque bodywork, this automobile won WRC Drivers’ Championships in 1979 and 1981. A minor trivia: Björn Waldegård-the- the first WRC Drivers’ champion- drove one of these autos to victory.
Peugeot 205 T16 (1984)
The Peugeot 205 T16 was a Group B force to be reckoned with since its launch in 1984, designed by Gérard Welter. Its mid-engine 1.8L turbocharged inline-four produced 345 hp, while its fiberglass and Kevlar construction kept it light without sacrificing strength. It won the WRC Constructors’ Championship in 1985 and 1986. Oddly, the road version of this rally car had only 200 units built to meet homologation rules.
Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 (1992)
The brainchild of Yasuo Otsubo, the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 was introduced in 1992. With a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine, it delivered 232 hp and demonstrated high reliability. Made from steel and reinforced composites, it gave Toyota its first WRC Constructors’ Championship in 1993. Fun fact: The car starred in Carlos Sainz’s career-defining win in the 1992 Safari Rally.
Citroën Xsara WRC (2001)
The Citroën Xsara WRC, penned by Jean-Claude Vaucard, first appeared in 2001, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four with 300 hp. It had a carbon fiber and aluminum structure that provided lightness and agility. The car won three WRC Drivers’ Championships (2004-2006) for Sébastien Loeb. This was the start of Citroën’s WRC domination, and it was a precursor to the legendary C4 and DS3 WRCs.
Mini Cooper S (1964)
The Mini Cooper S, designed by Alec Issigonis and John Cooper, was launched in 1964 with a 1.3L inline-four engine producing 76 hp. Its steel monocoque construction and lightweight build helped it win three Monte Carlo Rallies (1964, 1965, and 1967). Fun fact: The Mini Cooper’s 1966 Monte Carlo win was controversially annulled due to headlamp regulations.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2003)
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI, launched in 2003 and developed by Subaru Tecnica International, boasted a 2.5L turbocharged flat-four engine producing 300 hp. It was built with high-strength steel and aluminum and was known for its durability. It secured several podium finishes in the WRC. Little-known fact: Its rally success helped raise Subaru’s brand awareness in the U.S.
Ford Fiesta WRC (2017)
In 2017, the Ford Fiesta WRC made its first public appearance through the design team at M-Sport. Its turbocharged 1.6L EcoBoost engine, pumping 380 horsepower, featured carbon fiber, aluminum body, and chassis structures to make it strong and light. In the inaugural year, the driver, Sebastien Ogier, won the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships of the World Rally. An interesting side: The huge rear wing had it flaunting with extreme stability – and a ‘look of the future.’
Lancia Stratos HF (1974)
Designed by Marcello Gandini, the Lancia Stratos HF was launched in 1974 as a rallying icon. It was powered by a Ferrari-derived 2.4L V6 engine producing 190 hp, which made it both fast and reliable. The fiberglass body kept it light, which was necessary for rallying agility. It dominated the WRC with three Constructors’ Championships (1974-1976) and became synonymous with rally success. The Stratos was the first car designed specifically for rallying.
Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC (2017)
The Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, introduced in 2017, was designed by Michel Nandan. It excelled on all terrains, featuring a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four engine delivering 380 hp. Constructed with carbon fiber and aluminum, it balanced durability with lightweight agility. By 2019, it secured Hyundai its first WRC Constructors’ Championship. The i20’s rear suspension system was engineered specifically for high-speed jumps on rough stages.
Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar (1986)
Helmuth Bott designed the Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar for the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally. Launched in 1986, it had a 2.85L twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 450 hp. Made of lightweight Kevlar and aluminum, it was durable. The car won the 1986 Paris-Dakar Rally, establishing Porsche as a force to be reckoned with in rallying. The 959’s four-wheel-drive system is the precursor to Porsche’s modern AWD systems.
Renault 5 Turbo (1980)
The Renault 5 Turbo, introduced in 1980 and designed by Yves Legal, had a mid-mounted 1.4L turbocharged inline-four engine that produced 160 hp. Its aluminum and fiberglass body made it very low and light to handle, giving it excellent weight distribution and good handling. It won the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally and performed well on technical tracks. The Renault 5 Turbo was initially designed to compete against the Lancia Stratos.
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 (2022)
The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 is the next generation of hybrid rally cars launched in 2022. Designed by Tom Fowler, it has a 1.6L turbocharged engine with an electric motor that produces more than 500 hp. The carbon fiber monocoque gives it strength and safety while being lightweight. It won its first WRC Constructors’ Championship in 2022. Fun fact: The GR Yaris Rally1 uses regenerative braking to recharge its hybrid system during stages.
Fiat 131 Abarth (1976)
The Fiat 131 Abarth, styled by Mario Colucci, was launched in 1976 with a 2.0L inline-four that churned out 215 hp. Its lightweight steel body, plus reinforced suspension, made it a rally giant. Winning three WRC Constructors’ Championships (1977, 1978, and 1980) was a crowd-pleaser. Fiat produced only 400 road-going versions of the 131 Abarth to meet homologation requirements.
Škoda Fabia R5 (2015)
The Škoda Fabia R5, introduced in 2015 and designed by Škoda Motorsport, was equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four engine with 280 hp. Its steel monocoque structure made it tough for challenging rally stages. The car dominated the WRC-2 category, scoring over 100 international victories within its first few years. Fun fact: The Fabia R5 became one of the best-selling rally cars in the world, with over 300 units delivered to teams.
Volkswagen Polo R WRC (2013)
François-Xavier Demaison’s engineering brilliance came from the Volkswagen Polo R WRC, introduced in 2013. This car boasted a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four engine that produced 318 hp. It was made from a mix of carbon fiber and steel. Volkswagen Polo R WRC dominated the WRC and won four consecutive Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships from 2013 to 2016. Its debut season featured nine victories out of 13 rallies- a record at the time.
BMW M3 E30 Rally 1987
The BMW M3 E30 Rally was designed by Paul Rosche and launched in 1987. It had a 2.3L naturally aspirated inline-four, with an output of 300 hp, and produced better revving performance and spectacular handling. It was well-constructed of steel and reinforced glass fiber for rallying on tarmac roads. Though circuit racing is where the car is most famous, it had significant success in rallying, too, having taken podium finishes at European Rally Championship events. The M3 E30 was nicknamed “The Giant Slayer” for outperforming larger, more powerful competitors.
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