Many car manufacturers entered the fabled Group B World Rally Championship in the 1980s, including Audi, Lancia and Peugeot. French car manufacturer Citroën also joined the party by entering the BX 4TC, a model based on the BX five door hatchback.
Although 200 road going versions cars were required to be built for homologation, Citroën produced 110, with an additional 20 Evolution rally cars. The BX 4TC car was homologated for the 1986 season of the World Rally Championship. The engine was placed in the front of the car and positioned in a longitudinal layout. The 2.1 Litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder unit from Simca-Chrysler had outputs of 380hp (283kW) and 460Nm. Power was sent to all four wheels through a heavily modified five speed manual gearbox sourced from the Citroën SM. Road going versions produced 200hp (150kW) and 300Nm. The steel monocoque chassis and reliance on production components meant the car weighed 1280kg, heavier than most of its competitors.
In the 1986 WRC Championship, the car only participated in three events, with its best result being a sixth place at Sweden in the hands of Jean-Claude Andruet. The failure of the hydropneumatic suspension, high weight, lack of a centre differential, lack of power compared to its rivals and understeer caused by it being front heavy resulted in withdrawal after the Acropolis rally. The car was outclassed by manufacturers with several years of development advantages and that were significantly more powerful and lighter; for example the Peugeot 205 T16 had approximately 100 more horsepower and weighed 300kg less than the Citroën.
Citroën was reported to have destroyed many cars because they were so disappointed with their wasted efforts and poor performance. Of the 20 Evolution rally cars built, about 6 survived. Of the 110 road cars built, only 40 cars are believed to still exist. With the banning of Group B at the end of 1986, there was insufficient time to develop the BX 4TC to its full potential.
Please read below for a detailed look at the Group B World Rally Championship
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