| From 2011, classes are no longer tied to specific groups but rather are a mix of similarly performing cars from different groups. This results a quite an impressive list of classes, at least for time being until older groups are phased out. |
| Classes |
Groups |
| WRC (A0) |
WRC (2011): 1.6T engine with WRC kit |
| A1 |
S2000-Rally: 1.6T engine |
| A2 |
S2000-Rally: 2.0 atmospheric
Group R4 cars |
| A3 |
Group N car over 2000cc (former N4) |
| A4 |
RGT cars |
| A5 |
Group A car 1601-2000 cc
Super 1600 cars
R2C, R3C, R3T and R3D cars |
| A6 |
Group A car 1401-1600cc
R2B cars
kit car 1401-1600cc |
| A7 |
Group A car up to 1400cc
kit car up to 1400cc |
| A8 |
Group N car 1601-2000cc |
| A9 |
Group N car 1401-1600cc
R1B cars |
| A10 |
Group N car up to 1400cc
R1A cars |
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| Since 1981, there have been two groups, N and A. These were introduced, alongside groups like B and S, to replace the original numeric groups 1 to 5 which were used in 1973-1981. To put it short, Group N is a standard car with very few modifications allowed whereas Group A is fully prepared racing car. Classes within group are based on cubic capacity of the car as follows. |
| Group N | production cars |
| Group A | modified road-going cars |
| Cubic capacity |
Group N |
Group A |
| 1400cc or less |
N1 |
A5 |
| 1401-1600cc |
N2 |
A6 (incl. S1600) |
| 1601-2000cc |
N3 |
A7 (incl. F2) |
| over 2000cc |
N4 |
A8 (incl. WRC) |
Note: S1600, F2 and WRC (World Rally Car) are not groups or classes themselves. Those are only technical rules pertaining to how a manufacturer can modify a standard car in order to homologate it.
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Minimum production quantity is 2,500 identical models in 12 months for a car to qualify for homologation.
Cars with forced induction (ie. turbo) have their cubic capacity multiplied by 1.7 when calculating class. This is why all A8 cars are in class eight even though their nominal cylinder capacity is slightly below 2000cc.
In the interests of equality, all cars with forced induction must be fitted with engine fresh air intake restrictor. The diameter of the restrictor is 32mm in Group N and 34mm in Group A.
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Numerical groups were used until December 1981 when they were replaced by current alphabetical groups. During transition period, cars remained much the same and were rallied with temporary classifications.
Group 1: Series Production Touring Cars
Equivalent to current Group N, these were regular four-seated, unmodified production cars with minimum of 5000 units built annually.
Group 2: Special Touring Cars
Equivalent to current Group A, these were regular production cars modified for rally use. Minimum annual production was 1000 units. When Group 1 cars were modified, they became Group 2 cars.
Group 3: Series Production Grand Touring Cars
Grand touring (GT) or sports cars with minimum of 1000 units built annually. Preparation according to obligatory manufacturer homologation, minimal modifications only.
Group 4: Special Grand Touring Cars
Sport cars modified for rally use, minimum of 500 units built annually. When Group 3 cars were modified, they became Group 4 cars.
Group 5 and 6: Prototype cars
Extrapolated freely from unmarketed prototypes, no minimum production requirements.
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Note
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These classifications are used in WRC. National sporting authorities may use different naming conventions for national series though technical regulations are the same.
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