In relation to motorsport governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, Group R refers to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for rally competition. The Group R regulations were gradually introduced from 2008 as a replacement for Group A and Group N rally cars.
An Abarth 500 Rally R3T.
Image: Monte Carlo WRC 2014 ES2 12048975956
Image: 2021 Rally Bohemia Kalina
Image: 2013 Rallye Sunseeker (10367080843)
In relation to international motorsport governed by the FIA, Group N refers to regulations providing "standard" large-scale series production vehicles for competition. They are limited in terms of modifications permitted to the standard specification by the manufacturer making them a cost effective method of production vehicle motorsport. Often referred to as the "showroom class", Group N contrasts with Group A which has greater freedom to modify and tune the cars to be more suitable to racing. Both groups may have the same or similar models homologated by a manufacturer.
Group N Subaru Impreza STi
Group N Ford Escort Cosworth
Renault 5 GT Turbo, Group N world championship winner in 1989 and 1990
A Subaru Impreza WRX STI at the 2006 Acropolis Rally