In the world of rallying, few names carry as much weight and nostalgia as Lancia. Known for their dominance in the 1980s with the likes of the Stratos, 037, and Delta S4, Lancia's rally heritage is etched into the annals of motorsport history. While the Italian manufacturer has recently chosen a different path with the Ypsilon, Kimera Automobili, another Italian company, has taken up the mantle to pay homage to a forgotten rally car—the Lancia 038. Enter the Kimera Evo38, a modern tribute that brings to life the rally car Lancia never built.
The Lancia 038 was meant to be the natural evolution of the iconic 037, the last rear-wheel-drive car to clinch the WRC title in 1983. Conceived to rival the Audi Quattro S1, the 038 never materialized, despite the existence of at least one prototype. Fast forward to the present, and Kimera Automobili aims to rectify this historical oversight with the introduction of the Evo38.
Building on the success of the Kimera Evo37 launched in 2021, the Evo38 takes things up a notch. Featuring all-wheel drive and an additional 100 horsepower, the Evo38 is equipped with a larger turbocharger and other hardware revisions. Power is delivered to both axles through a six-speed manual transmission with shortened gear ratios, producing nearly 600 horsepower. Remarkably, Kimera has managed to keep the weight in check, tipping the scales at around 1,100 kilograms—placing it in the league of lightweight sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF or Alpine A110S.
Kimera plans to showcase the Evo38 at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show before commencing production of the 38 units later in the year. While pricing details remain undisclosed, the previous model, the 037, was offered at €480,000, approximately $520,000 in today's currency. Moreover, Kimera has already teased enthusiasts with a countdown on its website, hinting at the unveiling of the K-39 in June 2024, keeping the anticipation alive for another potential gem in the lineup.
In an alternate reality, Lancia might have unveiled a rally-bred car in 2024 to rejuvenate its legacy. However, pragmatic decisions led them to the Ypsilon, based on existing Stellantis products. Nonetheless, companies like Kimera Automobili are seizing the opportunity to capitalize on Lancia's rally heritage, creating what enthusiasts yearn for, even if it requires a substantial investment.
The Kimera Evo38 stands as a testament to the enduring allure of rally legends. While Lancia may have chosen a different path in recent years, Kimera Automobili is keeping the flame alive, resurrecting a forgotten rally car and offering enthusiasts a chance to experience the thrill of a bygone era with modern performance. As the Evo38 prepares to make its debut, it promises to be a worthy successor to the Lancia 037 and a fitting tribute to a rally car that never officially graced the stages.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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