The VK Group A was the first of the 4.9 Litre engines which was destroked from the previous 5.038 litres to avoid extra weight penalties in the Group A Touring Car regulations of the time. The build was limited to 500, although HDT built an extra 48 Group A Group 3's which combined all the refinements of the Group 3 with the grunt of the Group A's engine.
The Group A's engine featured a new cam shaft, jointly developed with HDT and Crane in the US and also featured Crane adjustable Roller Rockers and hardened push rods. To identify this particular engine, it was painted red in colour. Interior was sparse with vinyl door trims and one speaker in the front and one in the rear as this car was built more for go than show.
Profile
Factory Specs:
Engine: 304 Cubic Inch Pushrod V8. 101.6mm Bore and 77.8mm stroke and 8.8:1 compression ratio.
Max Power: 196kw @ 5200rpm and 418Nm of Torque @ 3600rpm. 6000rpm redline.
Induction: 4 barrel Rochester Carbuerettor and port matched inlet manifold.
Transmission:
M21 4 Speed standard. T5 5 Spd optional
Suspension:
Front: Fully independant Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar
Rear: Live axle located by trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Brakes
Split circuit hydraulic system with power booster.
Front: 281 Ventilated discs
Rear: 281 Discs.
Wheels & Tyres
16" x 7" HDT Aero rims with 225/50/VR16 Bridgestone Potenza tyres.
Performance
Top Speeds: (km/h@rpm)
1st: 87@6000
2nd:121@6000
3rd: 161@6000
4th: 215@5800
Standing Start 400m: 15.64 seconds (143 km/h)
Top speed: 215 km/h
0-100: 7.0 seconds
Fuel Tank: 63 Litres.
Number Built: 500 Group A's and 48 Group A Group 3's.
Kerb Mass: 1340kg.
Base Price: approx $21,950, but I think it's worth it.
