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{{short description|FIA World Rally Championship car classification}}
{{World Rally Championship}}

A '''World Rally Car''' is a racing automobile built to the specific regulations set by the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile]] (FIA) and designed for competition in the [[World Rally Championship]] (WRC). The cars were introduced in 1997 as a replacement for [[Group A]] regulations used in the manufacturers' championship,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.suzukisport.com/wrc/e/whats_wrc/history/index.html |title=WRC History |publisher=Suzuki Sport |access-date=2008-03-31 |archive-date=2009-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330012014/http://www.suzukisport.com/wrc/e/whats_wrc/history/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and were replaced by [[Group Rally1]] in 2022.

==Regulations==
===1997–2010===
[[File:Atkinson WRC Impreza in shop.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Subaru Impreza WRC|Subaru Impreza WRC2006]] being prepared by [[Prodrive]]]]
Between 1997 and 2010, the regulations mandated that World Rally Cars must have been built upon a production car with a minimum production run of 2500 units.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} A number of modifications could be made including increasing the [[engine displacement]] up to 2.0L, [[turbocharger|forced induction]] (including an [[anti-lag system]]), addition of [[four wheel drive]], fitment of a sequential [[gearbox]], modified suspension layout and attachment points, [[aerodynamic]] body modifications, weight reduction to a minimum of 1230&nbsp;kg and [[chassis]] strengthening for greater rigidity.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} The maximum width was set at 1770&nbsp;mm while front and rear tracks shouldn't exceed 1550&nbsp;mm.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

Unlike the requirements for the preceding [[Group A]] cars, manufacturers were no longer required to build "homologation specials" in order to meet approval.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} The base model did not need to have all the characteristics of the WRC car, as evidenced from cars such the [[Peugeot 206]], [[Peugeot 307|307]], [[Citroën Xsara]], and [[Škoda Fabia]], which during this period had no road car variant with a turbocharged petrol engine or four-wheel-drive.

To limit power, all forced induction cars were fitted with a 34&nbsp;mm diameter air restrictor before the turbocharger inlet, limiting the airflow to about 10 cubic meters per minute.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} The restriction was intended to limit power output to {{cvt|300|hp|disp=flip}} although some WRC engines were believed to produce around {{cvt|330|–|340|hp|disp=flip}}. {{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} Engine development did not focus on peak power output but towards producing a very wide [[powerband]] (or power curve). Typically, power output in excess of {{cvt|300|hp|disp=flip}} was available from 3000 rpm to the 7500 rpm maximum, with a peak of {{cvt|330|–|340|hp|disp=flip}} at around 5500 rpm.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} At 2000 rpm (the [[engine idle]] speed in "stage" mode) power output was slightly above {{cvt|200|hp|disp=flip}}.<ref>"Subaru Rally Engine – Developing a World Rally Car power plant", page 23-30, Race Engine Technology, issue 005, 2004</ref>

By 2004, the best cars had [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS]], electronic clutch control, [[semi-automatic transmission|paddle-shift]], [[traction control]], three [[active differential]]s, [[ride height]] control with GPS, electronic dampers and [[active suspension]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/feature/2115718/ford-technical-director-explains-low-tech-approach-wrc-cars|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023221410/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/feature/2115718/ford-technical-director-explains-low-tech-approach-wrc-cars|url-status=unfit|archive-date=October 23, 2011|title=Ford technical director explains low-tech approach in WRC cars|work=theinquirer.net|publisher=Incisive Business Media|date=2011}}</ref>

For 2005 the maximum width of the WRC cars was increased from 1770&nbsp;mm to 1800&nbsp;mm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/motorsports/e/05wrc/car/index.html|title=Mitsubishi Lancer WRC05|publisher=Mitsubishi Motors|access-date=30 January 2018|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110635/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/motorsports/e/05wrc/car/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In an attempt to cut costs, since 2006 new regulations required mechanical front and rear differentials, while the central differential remained active. Active suspension and water injections were also prohibited.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} Cars entered by a manufacturer had to be equipped with the same engine for two rallies; further limitations were imposed on the changing of some parts, including suspension, steering, turbochargers, and gearboxes.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

===2011–2016===
Starting in 2011, rules for WRC cars changed to be more restrictive. New regulations were derived from [[Super 2000]] cars with a different [[aerodynamic]] kit. The cars could be smaller models (there was no longer a minimum 4&nbsp;m length) and include a custom-build or production 1600&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup> [[Gasoline direct injection|direct injection]] turbo-charged [[global race engine]] with a {{cvt|33|mm}} diameter [[Restrictor plate|air restrictor]] and a maximum boost pressure of {{cvt|2.5|bar|psi}} absolute.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Article 255A 2013 - Specific Regulations for Super 2000 (Rallies) / WRC |url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/regulation/file/255A%20%2813-14%29_28.06.2013.pdf |publisher=[[FIA]] |publication-date=1 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Universal Machine - FIA In Motion |url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/publication/file/in_motion_November2009.pdf |publisher=[[FIA]] |page=54 |publication-date=November 2009}}</ref> This limited [[torque]] to about {{cvt|400|N.m|lb.ft}} or less<ref>For instance, officially the [[Citroën DS3 WRC]] has {{convert|350|N.m|kgf.m lb.ft|1|abbr=on}} at 3,250rpm.</ref>).

Exotic materials ([[titanium]], [[magnesium]], [[ceramic materials|ceramics]] and [[Composite material|composite]]) were forbidden except when present in the base model.<ref name=":1" /> [[Carbon fibre]] and [[kevlar|aramid fibre]] were very restricted ("only one layer of fabric is used and is affixed to the visible face of the part"), except for bodywork's side protections where multiple layers of aramid fibre were allowed.<ref name=":1" />

The gear changes must be made with a mechanical linkage system, so [[semi-automatic transmission|paddle-shifters]] were outlawed.<ref name=":1" /> However the system was re-allowed in [[2015 World Rally Championship season|2015]].{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} There was no center differential (earlier it used to be 3 differentials, with a center/3rd differential included), but the new regulation allows the only front and rear axle differential and a mechanical clutch to disconnect the rear axle during handbrake use (to reduce cost and make the cars' driving style more exciting again for both spectators and TV broadcasts). These two differentials must be mechanical, without electronic control or hydraulic or viscous systems (from 2006 to 2010 the center differential and previously all three could be active<ref>{{Cite web
  | title = Rally of Turkey 2010 – Glossary
  | url = http://www.rallyofturkey.org/glossary.aspx
  | access-date = 2011-02-21}}
</ref>{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}).

The minimum weight was 1200&nbsp;kg empty and 1350&nbsp;kg (1360&nbsp;kg from 2013) with driver and co-driver (in both cases when measured with only one [[spare wheel]]).<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Article 255A – 2011 Specific Regulations for Super 2000 (Rallies) / WRC |url=https://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/92B8777DD7239078C1257802003B3157/$FILE/255A_2011.pdf |publisher=[[FIA]] |publication-date=11 November 2010}}</ref>

=== 2017–2021 ===
The 1.6 L turbo-charged global race engine was retained in the 2017 World Rally Car regulations, but the turbo restrictor diameter was increased from 33&nbsp;mm to 36&nbsp;mm, increasing the engine's power output from {{cvt|310|to|380|hp|disp=flip}}. The minimum empty vehicle weight was decreased by 10&nbsp;kg but the combined vehicle, crew and spare wheel weight remained at 1360&nbsp;kg.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=SPECIFIC REGULATIONS FOR WRC CARS (WRC KIT VARIANT) |url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/255a_2021_wmsc_2021.03.05.pdf |publisher=[[FIA]] |publication-date=17 March 2021}}</ref>

Manufacturers were given more freedom to maximise aerodynamic performance, including large brake cooling ducts in fairings forming enlarged wheel arches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=llluis555 |date=2017-02-17 |title=Aerodynamic features of 2017 WRC cars |url=https://www.wrcwings.tech/2017/02/17/aerodynamic-features-of-2017-wrc-cars/ |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=WRCWings |language=en-US}}</ref> Electronically controlled active centre differentials were permitted, while the front and rear differentials remain mechanical.<ref name=":0" />

While 2011 specification World Rally Cars were allowed to compete in 2017, the new World Rally Cars were allowed for use by manufacturers' teams only.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 FIA World Rally Championship Sporting Regulations |url=http://juwra.com/images/regulations/2017WRCRegulations.pdf |publisher=[[FIA]] |page=13 |publication-date=3 February 2017}}</ref>

==Cars==
{|class="wikitable"
! Manufacturer
! Car
! From
! {{Tooltip|To|Last season the car was used by the works team in the World Championship}}
|-
|rowspan=4| {{Flagicon|France}} [[Citroën]]
| [[Citroën Xsara WRC]]
|align=center| [[2001 World Rally Championship|2001]]
|align=center| [[2006 World Rally Championship|2006]]
|-
| [[Citroën C4 WRC]]
|align=center| [[2007 World Rally Championship|2007]]
|align=center| [[2010 World Rally Championship|2010]]
|-
| [[Citroën DS3 WRC]]
|align=center| [[2011 World Rally Championship|2011]]
|align=center| [[2016 World Rally Championship|2016]]
|-
| [[Citroën C3 WRC]]
|align=center| [[2017 World Rally Championship|2017]]
|align=center| [[2019 World Rally Championship|2019]]
|-
|rowspan=4| {{flagicon|UK}} [[Ford Motor Company]]
| [[Ford Escort WRC]]
|align=center| [[1997 World Rally Championship|1997]]
|align=center| [[1998 World Rally Championship|1998]]
|-
| [[Ford Focus RS WRC]]
|align=center| [[1999 World Rally Championship|1999]]
|align=center| [[2010 World Rally Championship|2010]]
|-
| [[Ford Fiesta RS WRC]]
|align=center| [[2011 World Rally Championship|2011]]
|align=center| [[2016 World Rally Championship|2016]]
|-
| [[Ford Fiesta WRC]]
|align=center| [[2017 World Rally Championship|2017]]
|align=center| [[2021 World Rally Championship|2021]]
|-
|rowspan=3| {{Flagicon|South Korea}} [[Hyundai Motor Company]]
| [[Hyundai Accent WRC]]
|align=center| [[2000 World Rally Championship|2000]]
|align=center| [[2003 World Rally Championship|2003]]
|-
| [[Hyundai i20 WRC]]
|align=center| [[2014 World Rally Championship|2014]]
|align=center| [[2016 World Rally Championship|2016]]
|-
| [[Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC]]
|align=center| [[2017 World Rally Championship|2017]]
|align=center| [[2021 World Rally Championship|2021]]
|-
| {{Flagicon|DEU}} [[BMW]]
| {{nowrap|[[Mini John Cooper Works WRC|MINI John Cooper Works WRC]]}}
|align=center| [[2011 World Rally Championship|2011]]
|align=center| [[2012 World Rally Championship|2012]]
|-
|rowspan=2| {{Flagicon|Japan}} [[Mitsubishi Motors]]
| [[Mitsubishi Lancer WRC]]
|align=center| [[2001 World Rally Championship|2001]]
|align=center| [[2002 World Rally Championship|2002]]
|-
| [[Mitsubishi Lancer WRC]]
|align=center| [[2004 World Rally Championship|2004]]
|align=center| [[2005 World Rally Championship|2005]]
|-
|rowspan=2| {{Flagicon|France}} [[Peugeot]]
| [[Peugeot 206 WRC]]
|align=center| [[1999 World Rally Championship|1999]]
|align=center| [[2003 World Rally Championship|2003]]
|-
| [[Peugeot 307 WRC]]
|align=center| [[2004 World Rally Championship|2004]]
|align=center| [[2005 World Rally Championship|2005]]
|-
| {{Flagicon|Spain}} [[SEAT]]
| [[SEAT Córdoba WRC]]
|align=center| [[1998 World Rally Championship|1998]]
|align=center| [[2000 World Rally Championship|2000]]
|-
|rowspan=2| {{Flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Škoda Auto]]
| [[Škoda Octavia WRC]]
|align=center| [[1999 World Rally Championship|1999]]
|align=center| [[2003 World Rally Championship|2003]]
|-
| [[Škoda Fabia WRC]]
|align=center| [[2003 World Rally Championship|2003]] 
|align=center| [[2005 World Rally Championship|2005]] 
|-
| {{Flagicon|Japan}} [[Fuji Heavy Industries]]
| [[Subaru Impreza WRC]]
|align=center| [[1997 World Rally Championship|1997]]
|align=center| [[2008 World Rally Championship|2008]]
|-
| {{Flagicon|Japan}} [[Suzuki]]
| [[Suzuki SX4 WRC]]
|align=center| [[2007 World Rally Championship|2007]]
|align=center| [[2008 World Rally Championship|2008]]
|-
| rowspan=2 | {{Flagicon|Japan}} [[Toyota]]
| [[Toyota Corolla WRC]]
|align=center| [[1997 World Rally Championship|1997]]
|align=center| [[1999 World Rally Championship|1999]]
|-
| [[Toyota Yaris WRC]]
|align=center| [[2017 World Rally Championship|2017]]
|align=center| [[2021 World Rally Championship|2021]]
|-
| {{Flagicon|Germany}} [[Volkswagen]]
| [[Volkswagen Polo R WRC]]
|align=center| [[2013 World Rally Championship|2013]]
|align=center| [[2016 World Rally Championship|2016]]
|-
!colspan=4|Sources: Homologations Lists (various years) published by [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]]; [[eWRC-results.com]]
|}

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" perrow="4" heights="100">
File:Xavier Pons.jpg|[[Citroën Xsara WRC]]
File:Petter Solberg (4785583959).jpg|[[Citroën C4 WRC]]
File:Al Qassami Baiao Rally de portugal 2016.jpg|[[Citroën DS3 WRC]]
File:C3 WRC in Monte Carlo - fotocredd Citroën Racing.jpg|[[Citroën C3 WRC]]
File:Ford Escort WRC (28505581320).jpg|[[Ford Escort WRC]]
File:Neste Oil Rally 2010 - Jari-Matti Latvala in shakedown.jpg|[[Ford Focus RS WRC]]
File:Mads Osberg 2 Baiao Rally de portugal 2016.jpg|[[Ford Fiesta RS WRC]]
File:Sábado 19, Rally de Portugal 2018 - 4.jpg|[[Ford Fiesta WRC]]
File:Ke hyundai.jpg|[[Hyundai Accent WRC]]
File:Chris Atkinson Rally Mexico 2014 002.jpg|[[Hyundai i20 WRC]]
File:2017 Rally Portugal - 5.jpg|[[Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC]]
File:Acr2011 336.jpg|[[Mini John Cooper Works WRC]]
File:Delecour, Rally Germany 2002.jpg|[[Mitsubishi Lancer WRC|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC]]
File:Gilles Panizzi.jpg|[[Mitsubishi Lancer WRC]]
File:2003 Acropolis Rally 24.jpg|[[Peugeot 206 WRC]]
File:Marcus Grönholm - 2004 Monte Carlo Rally.jpg|[[Peugeot 307 WRC]]
File:SEAT Cordoba WRC.jpg|[[SEAT Córdoba WRC]]
File:Sb skoda.jpg|[[Škoda Octavia WRC]]
File:Jan Kopecký-2007 Wales Rally GB 001.jpg|[[Škoda Fabia WRC]]
File:Jari Ketomaa - Rally Finland 2009.JPG|[[Subaru Impreza WRC]]
File:Toni Gardemeister - 2008 Rallye Deutschland 3.jpg|[[Suzuki SX4 WRC]]
File:2015 Rally Bohemia - Jirovec, Toyota Corolla WRC.JPG|[[Toyota Corolla WRC]]
File:Ott Tänak in Toyota Yaris WRC of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC Rallye Deutschland 2018.jpg|[[Toyota Yaris WRC]]
File:Sebastien Ogier Baiao Rally de portugal 2016.jpg|[[Volkswagen Polo R WRC]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|World Rally Cars}}

* [https://www.storiedirally.it/mitsubishi-lancer-wrc05-lultimo-acuto/ Storie di Rally]

*[https://www.storiedirally.it/world-rally-car-idee-semplici-e-geniali/ World Rally Car story] 

{{World Rally Championship results}}
{{Class of Auto racing}}

[[Category:World Rally Cars| ]]
[[Category:Rally groups]]
[[Category:World Rally Championship]]