The series was seen as an opportunity for manufacturer involvement in Australian racing since the 5.0-litre category was the exclusive domain of Ford and Holden under the regulations, in the hope, that manufacturers like BMW, Nissan and Toyota who had been involved in recent years of the preceding category, Group A might continue to race in Australia.
Nissan showed no interest and wouldn't race full-time again in Australia until entering V8 Supercars in 2013.
BMW stepped into the series in 1994, with Audi, Hyundai and Volvo following in 1995 with both Ford and Holden giving back door support to privately operated teams on and off for the next three seasons.
Both Audi and Volvo ended their involvement after the 1999 season, leaving the category as a privateer series which then rapidly dwindled.
To achieve their goals, the rules targeted the type of car most manufacturers produced, a mid-range 4-door family saloon with a 2-litre normally aspirated multi-valve engine having a minimum production run of 2500 in one year.