The Lancer 1600 GSR and Pajero/Montero/Shogun both achieved great success in rallying and Rally Raid events, and eventually the company planned an attempt on the Group B class of the World Rally Championship with a four-wheel drive version of its Starion coupé.
Lancer 1600 GSR a Pajero/Montero/Shogun dosiahli veľký úspech v podujatiach rely a Rely Dakar, a tak spoločnosť plánovala uspieť v skupine B Majstrovstiev sveta v rely s 4x4 verziou svojho kupé Starion.