Citroen BX 4TC (1985-86)

The Citroën BX 4TC, produced between 1985 and 1986, had several common faults:

1. **High Weight**: The car was heavier compared to its competitors, which affected its performance².
2. **Lack of Power**: Despite having a turbocharged engine, it was underpowered relative to other Group B rally cars.
3. **Hydraulic Suspension Issues**: The hydropneumatic suspension system, while innovative, increased understeer and was not well-suited for the demands of rallying.
4. **Reliability Problems**: The car faced reliability issues, with several instances of breakage and going off the road during rallies.

These factors contributed to its limited success in rallying and its eventual withdrawal from the championship.
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Appearance
The Citroën BX 4TC had several distinctive features that set it apart from the standard Citroën BX:

1. **Elongated Nose**: The BX 4TC had a longer nose to accommodate the longitudinally mounted engine.
2. **Wide Body Kit**: It featured a wide body kit with flared wheel arches to house the larger wheels and tires.
3. **Four-Wheel Drive**: The addition of a four-wheel drive system required modifications to the car's structure.
4. **Unique Front and Rear Bumpers**: The front and rear bumpers were redesigned to give the car a more aggressive look³.
5. **Rear Spoiler**: A rear spoiler was added to improve aerodynamics.

These modifications gave the BX 4TC a more aggressive and rally-ready appearance compared to the standard BX.
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Engine
The Citroën BX 4TC, produced between 1985 and 1986, was fitted with a **2141 cc inline-4 engine**. This engine, known as the **N9TE**, was a turbocharged unit with a compression ratio of 7:1. It produced **200 bhp** at 5,250 rpm and featured a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system.
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Performance
The Citroën BX 4TC, produced between 1985 and 1986, had the following performance characteristics:

- **Top Speed**: Approximately 134 mph (216 km/h).
- **Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h)**: Around 9.2 seconds.
- **Quarter Mile Time**: Approximately 15.6 seconds.

Despite these respectable figures, the BX 4TC struggled in rallying due to its high weight and underpowered engine compared to its competitors.
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Specialists
There are specialist garage services available for a Citroën BX 4TC in Northern Ireland. Here are a couple of options:

1. **Approved Garages**: They have repair specialists for Citroën vehicles, including classic models like the BX 4TC.

2. **BX Club Forum**: This forum has a dedicated section for the BX register, where you can connect with other BX enthusiasts and find recommendations for specialist services.

3. **Bourne Citroen Centre**: Although not in Northern Ireland, they are known for their expertise in Citroën repairs and restoration, including the BX model.
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Racing
The Citroën BX 4TC did compete in racing events, specifically in the World Rally Championship (WRC) under the Group B category. Here are some key points about its racing history:

1. **World Rally Championship**: The BX 4TC made its debut in the 1986 season. However, it faced several challenges, including high weight, lack of power, and issues with its hydraulic suspension.
2. **Monte Carlo Rally**: The car participated in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1986 but had to retire due to breakage.
3. **Swedish Rally**: The BX 4TC achieved its best result in the Swedish Rally, finishing in sixth place thanks to driver Jean-Claude Andruet.
4. **Acropolis Rally**: The car also competed in the Acropolis Rally but had to retire again.

Unfortunately, the BX 4TC's rally career was short-lived due to the unexpected stoppage of Group B in 1986 following several tragic accidents. Despite its limited success, the BX 4TC remains a unique and interesting part of Citroën's motorsport history.
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