RX Vauxhall Astra 4S – John Welch

Published on: Jan 17, 2016 @ 20:35
Originally Published in: 2015 (old website)
(C) Jay Auger - website owner & author
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HISTORY
SPECIFICATIONS
VIDEOS
REFERENCES

HISTORY

In 1983, GM’s official motorsport effort in Group B international rallying was with the quite conventional rear-wheel drive Opel Manta B 400 which quickly fell out of contention. In 1984, Opel went back to the drawing board while the new “E” generation of the Opel Kadett / Vauxhall Astra model was nearing release. For much more detailed information about the “4S” (4×4) project – CLICK HERE!

In 1985, there was a total of four “4S” prototypes built: each with a different engine but all equipped with “Xtrac” four-wheel drive systems. Two cars were tested in the 1986 Paris-Dakar rally and another under prototype rules in one event of the British Rally Championship. Group B was banned not long after which made the 4S’ official intended use shift to Group S instead. Sadly, the category remained stillborn and abruptly ended the cars’ development.

In 1987, one of the Paris-Dakar prototypes was purchased by John Welch to compete in the British & European Rallycross series which quickly became overrun with very competitive Group B cars. A few years beforehand, the Xtrac four-wheel drive system was brought to fame by Martin Schanche in rallycross which would make the so-equipped 4S a natural contender for the series.

Welch’s car featured a de-stroked 2.1L Manta B 400 “phase 4” engine turbocharged with a BMW Formula One unit that produced a claimed 650 BHP. In theory, this power figure would be enough to match the fierce and proven Group B cars that he faced in competition. However, the 4S never had completed its prototype phase at Opel and this obviously meant that the car faced a lot of teething troubles.

What is also apparent is that Welch’s car was quite aerodynamically “tame” compared to the competition fully equipped with huge spoilers and other add-on appendages meant to increase the traction potential. However, appearances can always be deceiving, especially if taken from the cover of a book written by fellow competitor Martin Schanche and his factory-looking Ford RS200E. Similarly to Schanche, Welch’s car truly had its heart under the bonnet and was no slouch.

John Welch would compete with the 4S from 1988 to 1992, retiring it when Group B-based cars were forcefully replaced with Group A machinery for 1993. His best season finish in five years of competition was a 10th place in the 1988 European Rallycross Championship overall standings, although he had much better luck and more appearances in the British Cup. Welch then sold off the car to a fellow competitor who stripped the drivetrain to install it in an Audi 90 coupe.

John Welch’s Vauxhall Astra 4S and Václav Farka’s Škoda 130 LR EVO are the only known original Group S prototypes to enter rallycross.

SPECIFICATIONS

Group/Class	Formula A / Division 2	Championships: none
Years Active	1988~1992	Best ERC season overall standings: 10th (1988)
Engine
Type	B 400 “phase 4” engine, I-4, DOHC 16v, gas	located front longitudinal
Displacement	2.1L

Compression ratio	N/A
Output power – torque	~650 HP @ – rpm (claimed)	420 lb-ft @ – rpm (claimed)

Materials	block: cast iron	cylinder head: aluminium

Aspiration	turbocharger (BMW F1 unit) air/air intercooler
Ignition	electronic, firing order 1-3-4-2
Cooling system	water-cooled
Lubrication system	dry sump with mid-mounted twin oil coolers
Transmission
Type	“Xtrac” four wheel drive	6-speed gearbox
Gearbox ratios	N/A	N/A
Differential ratio	N/A	Driver adjustable F/R ratio F28/R72 to F50/R50 hydraulic system
Clutch	N/A

Chassis-body
Type	T-Platform steel monocoque chassis (middle section only) 2 door coupe with integral roll cage and sump guard. Front and rear spaceframe. Kevlar body panels.
Front suspension	N/A
Rear suspension	N/A
Steering system	rack and pinion	N/A
Brakes	F & R: Discs	Dual circuit with servo, adjustable ratio split front to rear
Dimensions
length: 4256 mm / 167.6 in	width: 1760 mm / 69.3 in	height: 1393 mm / 54.8 in
wheelbase: 2500 mm / 98.4 in	front track: N/A	rear track: N/A
Rims – tires	N/A	N/A
Dry/Unladen Weight	960 kg (2115 lbs)
Weight/power	1.5 kg/HP (3.3 lb/ft)
Fuel tank	25 liters