Peugeot 405 T16 Pikes Peak
It's almost impossible to believe that motosports genuinely saved the Lion from going bust. After all, the 205 Turbo 16 saved the manufactuer from going bankrupt, and it left a lasting legacy that shall be relished throughtout the years. But following the end of the notorious Group B era, they decided to go rally raiding.
However, when they ran the 205 on tracks like the Paris-Dakar and Pikes Peak, there were a few dents in it's armour: Mainly, it's rather short wheelbase. On most stages where it's tight and twisty, the 205 had no problems whatsoever. But on the jumps of the Dakar or the long and winding corners of the 'Peak, it was pretty much like trying win the Grand National whilst riding a lion made of jelly. And it wasn't made much better when the wheelbase was lengthened. The alternative? Take a standard 405 and put it on the 205's running gear.
As well as a Dakar version, this also existed as a Hill Climb version, complete with Rear wheel steer, lower ride height and the rear wing the size of New York. Ari Vatinen's heroic efforts on the 'Peak (where he won and set a new record that wouldn't be bested until 1994) was captured in the short film "Climb Dance", an epic showcase of bravery that needs to be seen to be believed.
Audi S1 Quattro Pikes Peak
When it was first raced in 1981, the Audi Quattro set the goal post so far, it successfully ambushed everyone who came into it's field of vision. By 1985, the competition, which included the likes of Peugeot and Lancia, had catched and overtook Audi at their own game. Enter the Audi Sport Quattro S1. By the time it made it's debut, the 205 T16 was king of the season, winning 6 out of the 8 possible rallies. The driver, Walter Rohrl, did salvage the season for them, by winning the San Remo rally, where its power and traction was championed over the Peugeot's better handling and much better agility.
Being an evolution of one of the most famous cars of all time, it spawned quite the dramatic makeover thanks to the Behemoth-quality scoop on the nose and a large rear wing. It's akward weight balance was addressed by moving the radiators, battery and auxiliaries to the rear of the car. Inside the body, it spawned a 2.1 liter 5 cylinder, which is now turbocharged to produce 500 brake horsepower, but this came with a problem, because it suffered from turbo lag. The solution was to fit the car with an anti-lag system, which constantly makes the turbo work even when it was not accelerating. As a result, it became a fan favourite, mainly due to the bangs which sounded like shotgun's opening fire and the exhaust-flames which was comparable to that of a fire breathing dragon.
When it was prepared for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 1987, it was revised with an even more aggressive bodykit and water cooled brakes, among other things. Rumour has it that this car actually produces 1000 horsepower, and not the 600 that Audi claims. And when Walter took one of these up the mountain, on his first attempt no less, he went another 22 seconds faster than the previous record set by Bobby Unser. A fitting end, to a car that will surely stand the test of time.
