GT Class

[janvanvurpa]

Back in 1970' everything was different. 4WD cars were forbidden in rallying, everybody used sports cars and the air-cooled engines of Porsches were good for endurance events. Just one little thing was enough to make things upside down - to allow 4WD.

I think the big change was the thing that created the need for dividing up the power and spreading it out to 4 wheels, and that change was this:




Saab could not compete on equal footing with the all conquering Group 4 Ford Escorts with the great Cosworth BDG even with their 16v head---only 235 bhp vs 252-262 for BDG---mainly they figured from having a much heavier car so they added one of these:
(lurking behind the waste-gate)


And made TONS more torque....and then discovered very quickly that the housing for the gearbox was far far far too weak..
I am good friends with the engine builder at Saab from those days and have staying at his house several times.
Massive torque drove the need for more than 2 wheels driving..

Only then did the extra weight and problems of 4wd make sense.

Whatever the history, regarding these refugees from the circuits, I don't understand the fascination. They are clearly way way in excess of what is needed..too brutal delivery and so guys driving are too timid. They could de-tune a bit and go faster.