After being dormant for a few years, Lancia returned with a reskinned Peugeot 208 for the new Ypsilon. But Another Italian firm, Kimera Automobili, has a greater concept to revitalize the troubled model. Meet the Evo38, a modern-day tribute to a automobile that formally by no means existed—the Lancia 038.
The 038 was presupposed to be an evolution of the 037—the final rear-wheel-drive automobile to win the WRC title again in 1983. It had been engineered with all-wheel drive and extra energy in a bid to maintain up with the Audi Quattro S1 however it by no means noticed the sunshine of day. The Delta S4 outmoded the 037 however there was no 038, regardless of at the very least one prototype being made and examined. In an try to repair historical past, Kimera is bringing again the 038.
The new automobile is a follow-up to the Kimera Evo37 launched in 2021, however now with all-wheel drive and roughly 100 extra horsepower with a much bigger turbocharger and different {hardware} revisions. It routes almost 600 hp to each axles by a six-speed guide transmission modified with shorter gear ratios.
With ample carbon fiber and titanium, the group behind the Evo38 has restricted the load penalty of including AWD. It weighs roughly 1,100 kilograms (2,425 kilos), so roughly as a lot as a Mazda MX-5 Miata RF or an Alpine A110S.
This “Integrale” model has an electrohydraulic differential controllable from the within by permitting the motive force to decide on how a lot energy goes to the wheels. The suspension has been tweaked in comparison with the 037 and now has electronically managed shock absorbers together with a raise system.
The Kimera Evo37 had a 2.1-liter engine made by Italtecnica re-engineered below the steerage of Lancia engineer Claudio Lombardi. There are plans to promote the Evo38 with an electronically actuated sequential gearbox.
Kimera intends to convey the Evo38 to the 2024 Geneva Motor Show subsequent week earlier than beginning manufacturing of the 38 items later this 12 months. Pricing particulars haven’t been disclosed however the 037 was supplied in 37 examples at €480,000 a pop. In at present’s cash, that is about $520,000.
Kimera Ok-39 teaser
Interestingly, the corporate has arrange a devoted web page on its web site for a 3rd future mannequin. There’s already a countdown till the Ok-39 will likely be unveiled in 120 days, so offered our math is correct, the debut date is locked in for June 22, 2024.
In a great world, Lancia would’ve launched a rally-bred automobile in 2024 to kickstart its revival. But finally, the Ypsilon made extra sense because it’s primarily based on a number of current Stellantis merchandise, such because the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa.
But corporations like Kimera are prepared to money in on that heritage by producing what Lancia will not. Just put together to pony up some severe cash.