Group N
FIA production-based class for standard large-series vehicles.
Group N is a set of FIA regulations for production-based competition vehicles, often called the "showroom class" due to its limited modifications from standard manufacturer specifications. Introduced in 1982 to replace Group 1, it provides a cost-effective entry into motorsport by restricting changes to the original car, contrasting with the more permissive Group A. Homologation requires a minimum of 2500 units produced in the prior 12 months, with a seven-year homologation period subject to continued production.
Quick Facts
- Introduced
- 1982
- Replaced
- Group 1
- Minimum production for homologation
- 2500 cars in 12 months (5000 before 1993)
- Homologation period
- 7 years
- Classes (rallying)
- N1 (up to 1,400 cc / 1.4 L), N2 (1401-1600 cc), N3 (1601-2000 cc), N4 (over 2,000 cc / 2.0 L)
- Turbo displacement multiplier
- 1.7
Facts from the source article.
Circuit racing
Group N became a more economical alternative to Group A in national touring car championships, often running alongside Group A series. It saw brief prominence after the decline of Supertouring in the late 1990s, when some national regulations relaxed to allow more modifications under the Super Production label. The category persists in circuit racing globally, notably in Japan's Super Taikyu and Italy's ETCS endurance series, but was again overshadowed by the introduction of Super 2000 cars in the World Touring Car Championship.
Rallying
Group N cars were eligible for the WRC driver, co-driver, and manufacturers championships until 1997, though Group A cars dominated results. A Group N car won a WRC rally only once: a Renault 5 driven by Alain Oreille at the 1989 Rallye Côte d'Ivoire. The group had four displacement-based classes, with turbocharged engines multiplied by 1.7; only N4 remained homologated by November 2021. The Production World Rally Championship used Group N rules from 1987 to 2012, featuring popular turbocharged four-wheel-drive models like the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Group N was intended to be phased out from rallying in 2013 with the introduction of Group R, but the R4 class meant to replace it was abandoned in 2015, and a new NR4 class allowed N4 cars to continue within the Group R format. From 2013, N4 cars were eligible in WRC-2 alongside Super 2000 and Group R cars, with a dedicated FIA Production Car Cup. Group N cars have not been eligible for WRC rallies since 2019, but FIA regional championships and many national rallies still permit them, sometimes with local variants.
Allowed modifications
Modifications were tightly restricted: few engine changes were permitted beyond lightening within set limits and baffled sumps, though the ECU could be freely chosen. Most allowed alterations aimed at durability rather than performance, and forced-induction cars required a restrictor before the charger. Originally all interior trim including the rear seat had to remain; later, trim except the dashboard could be removed and door trim replaced. Springs and dampers were free, as were gearbox internals and final-drive ratio, provided homologated gear ratios and shift pattern were kept, allowing dog-engagement gearboxes. Suspension and bodyshell strengthening was permitted if it did not alter the operating principle.
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