The introduction of all-wheel drive and turbocharging simultaneously into rallying transformed the sport into a formidable contender against Formula One in a short span. This brought about a surge of interest worldwide, including from unexpected quarters such as the Soviets. However, not every endeavor proved successful, and one automaker’s Group B initiative came crashing down. Mitsubishi seemed wary of facing a similar fate, hence its delayed entry into the Group B arena with its Starion-based rally car.
Unveiled as a concept at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show, the Starion 4WD Rally bore striking similarities to the Audi Quattro that clinched the 1982 World Rally Championship title (and came close to another victory in 1983). Beyond the basic aspects of a two-door coupe body style and turbocharged powertrain, the Starion shared a deeper connection with the Quattro. Development at the newly-formed Ralliart was influenced by Alan Wilkinson, a former Audi Sport UK engineer, who aimed to address the Quattro’s notorious front-end weight bias in the Starion 4WD Rally.
Mitsubishi Starion 4WD Rally illustration, Mitsubishi
To achieve this, an innovative drivetrain layout was employed. The Starion’s engine and five-speed transmission were mounted longitudinally, with a six-degree rearward tilt to accommodate the front axles underneath. Unlike its competitors, the Starion featured a setup with front axles sprouting from a front differential linked to a reinforced Pajero transfer case, making it a true four-wheel-drive vehicle rather than the common all-wheel-drive configuration.
The meticulous attention to weight and its distribution was evident in various components. Utilizing polycarbonate for the windows and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) for the driveshafts, lower control arms, skid plate, and seat, alongside composite body panels (carbon-kevlar as per GroupBRally.com), Mitsubishi estimated the prototype’s weight at merely 2,115 pounds without fuel.
Even the engine, a pioneering “Sirius Dash” iteration of the renowned 4G63 turbo-four, boasted unique characteristics. Notably, half of the single-cam, 12-valve head’s intake valves remained shut below 2,500 rpm to enhance low-end power delivery. While sources differ on the displacement, with claims of a bored-out 2,140cc or stock 2.0 liters, a surviving plaque lists both figures. Regardless, the engine, according to the plaque, generated 355 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, promising competitive performance prior to Group B’s turbocharging frenzy.
Mitsubishi initially aimed to debut in the WRC by the summer of 1984; however, by the Geneva Auto Show in February, the company had postponed its first race appearance to the RAC Rally in November (now known as Wales Rally GB). Auto Express reports that this decision was made to allow Mitsubishi to test the car at that year’s Rally Mille Pistes before unveiling the homologation variant, the Starion 4WD Sport, at the British International Motor Show in October. This strategy was intended to build anticipation for Mitsubishi’s planned 1985 WRC venture,which would encompass participations in Portugal, Greece, Finland, Italy, and Britain.
Mitsubishi Starion 4WD Sport – homologation car illustration, Mitsubishi
Although a prototype Starion participated in the RAC Rally of 1984, the homologation special did not make an appearance, and Mitsubishi’s plans to compete in the WRC in 1985 never came to fruition—development reportedly hit a roadblock. By the time the Starion 4WD Rally was prepared for homologation, it was early 1986, and Group B was in its final season, plagued by fatal accidents. The homologation of the Starion 4WD Rally was allegedly canceled, preventing it from competing against the Lancia Delta S4 and Peugeot 205 T16. If it had, however, Mitsubishi might have faced challenges.
By 1986, all the top contenders in Group B were essentially silhouette racers resembling production compact cars, with some, like Ford’s RS200, being purpose-built prototypes. Mitsubishi’s front-engined, production-derived Starion would likely have lacked the agility and power of these cars, assuming its horsepower remained unchanged.
When Group B was disbanded, the creators of the Starion 4WD Rally may have felt that their work had been in vain, missing a valuable opportunity. Unbeknownst to them at the time, their experience with a front-engined, all-wheel-drive car for Group B provided Ralliart with valuable insights for the Group A era. This knowledge was instrumental in the success of the Galant VR-4, which secured Mitsubishi its first two WRC victories in 1989, prompting the brand to continue its WRC endeavors, leading to significant success in the 1990s.
During Mitsubishi’s prosperous rallying period, the Lancer Evolution guided Tommi Mäkinen to four consecutive WRC drivers’ championships, with the third delivering Mitsubishi a manufacturer’s title. This successful legacy in rallying can be traced back to the foundation established by the Starion 4WD Rally, a fact that the original designers can certainly take pride in, even decades later.
Mitsubishi Starion 4WD Rally prototype at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi
Despite the Starion not receiving accolades in the motorsport world, the unrealized rally car still attracted a dedicated following. One enthusiast even went as far as hiring former Ralliart engineers to build a replica as per Rally Group B Shrine. While it may not be an exact replica, as it operates on rear-wheel drive instead of four-wheel drive, the existence of the original cars is confirmed—three out of the five, according to Rally Sport Mag. After thirty-five years, perhaps it’s time to dust off one of those Starions and let it hit the road again. The resurrection of Ralliart seems like a fitting occasion for such an event, wouldn’t you agree?
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