Peugeot 205 Turbo 16
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 4
Introduction
Undoubtedly, the emergence of Peugeot 205 T16 represented
a new generation of Group B cars, taking engine technoogy
to new heights in both power output and torque, a recipe
that would quickly see the demise of Group B rally cars...
(see Lancia Delta S4)
While the Quattro Sport retained its front-engined design
(necessitating a heavy monocoque chassis), Peugeot redefined
the rules by designing a mid-engined, space frame chassis
that was at least 100 lb lighter.
The 1.8-litre 16
valves turbocharged four generated up
to 440 hp in race form but only 195 hp in road trim -
in fact, unlike Audi and Ford, Peugeot (as well as
Lancia with their S4) had no intention of fulfilling their customers' expectations.
Peugeot had but one intention with the introduction of
this car - to win the WRC (while spending as little to
develop the road car as possible).
However rules were rules, and the road car still (had
to) shared most of the advanced technology with the race
car, including the unique centre differential which enabled
on-board selection of different torque split ratio between
front and rear axle.
