eighties – Martin Schanche G4 Rallycross Escort – This new Audi Beater
The latest G3 is actually covertly checked out during the Boreham for the RS 1700T that Ford is actually development. It proved to be more than a complement, lapping step 3 moments a lap faster within try song.
The initial vehicles lead are made by Quarterly report Meeke Motorsport and determined by Billy Coleman and you can is actually most competitive from the outset, mode five quickest phase minutes towards the Cork Rally. The fresh G3 proceeded to help you victory many domestic rallies which can be nevertheless aggressive to this day.
At the beginning of eighties new Audi Quattro was the brand new prominent push in the Rallycross. This new G4 is actually a result of a treaty between Gartrac, Mike Endean just who later turned the owner of Xtrac and you can Martin Schanche. The plan is actually hatched during the United kingdom Rallycross Huge Prix in the Labels Hatch in 1982 to construct a vehicle to conquer the newest Quattro.
Gartrac set about designing a bodyshell and you will suspension package, Mike ran out and you may designed this new 4WD program and you will Martin are available brand new engine or other bits together with financial backing into enterprise. Brand new little bodyshell is actually greatly modified and you may designed to household the newest book 4WD indication system having energetic center diff, locked because of the turbo improve, the leading diff are located regarding engine sump, the car try powered by an excellent turbo recharged Zakspeed engine and you will had completely independent suspension system having fun with McPherson struts and a straight back atlas ray shaft.
The brand new Gartrac / Xtrac 4WD Zakspeed turbo recharged Escort Mk3 produced the debut a beneficial season later on British Rallycross Grand Prix in the Brands Hatch and exhibiting quickly it had been attending revolutionise the brand new rally cross tournament.