Opel Manta 400 GrB

The Opel Manta 400 was designed, developed and built to replace the Opel Ascona 400. It was homologated for Group B on May 1, 1983, after FISA able to show that they had built 200 units of rigor. The engine was the same 2.4 liters created by Cosworth for Ascona 400 and block developed from diesel Opel Record. All engines, both for the competition as the serial production, were added Cosworth pistons, crankshaft and connecting rods reinforced steel and equipped with 16-valve cylinder head.

The first phase of this engine yielded in Ascona 240 hp at 7,500 rpm, with an engine of 28 kg � m torque at 5,000 rpm. Manta was finally approved with an evolution that delivered 275 hp. In order to save weight the Manta 400 used in Kevlar spoilers and door panels, and in many other parts heavy steel was replaced by aluminum.

Its first victory was in June 1983 Hessen Rally in the hands of Erwin Weber and thereafter the victories did not stop succession. In 1984 AWD cars led the world. The Manta 400 with rear-wheel drive running at a disadvantage, also lost the sponsorship of Rothmans (equivalent to 45% of the budget of 1983), which was a blow to the team. The rest of the year was funded by GM, and Manta 400 appearances were carefully chosen since then.

The abolition of Group B gave the final blow to Opel Manta 400, which disappeared from Capeonato World Rally in 1986. Partocinado by BT Mobile disputed the British Championships 1987 obtaining numerous victories.