Rallye-Legende im Comeback: Der Lancia Ypsilon Rally HF (2025) – Italiens 212 PS starker Rennzwerg kehrt auf die Piste zurück

Lancia Ypsilon Rally HF (2025): Making a Comeback on the Track

This Italian powerhouse strays off the beaten path with a robust 212 horsepower engine…

Those who have witnessed and more importantly, heard the roar of the Lancia Stratos, 037, and Delta tearing through the gravel paths around the world, are not likely to forget it. Until 1992, this storied Italian brand was a mainstay in the Rally World Championship, concluding that year with its sixth consecutive manufacturers' championship title.

Three decades and two years after its last appearance, Lancia announces its comeback in the world of rally racing with the Ypsilon HF model. However, the electric variant with 177 kW (240 horsepower) won't be the one hitting the tracks. Instead, a specially designed rally version, the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF, will be competing.

Photo Gallery: Lancia Ypsilon HF (2024) and Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF (2024)

"Lancia has always captured the hearts of people with its competitive spirit. This spirit is personified by the brand's iconic vehicle models from its past, which are among the most successful in the history of rally racing. And it's this same spirit of sportiness that beats once again today," says Luca Napolitano, CEO of Lancia. "I believe that the fans of Lancia's racing victories are our future customers."

The latest Italian mini-marvel is powered by a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Lancia aims to extract roughly 212 horsepower from this unit. The power is delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed transmission that comes with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Primarily, the aggressive air intake at the front, the reduced ground clearance, and the white rims distinguish the rally version of the HF. Apart from that, the car maintains a somewhat reserved appearance. It is presented in the iconic "Martini" color scheme featuring white, red, and blue. Emblazoned on the roof are the ten official World Rally Championship titles that have been contested since 1973.

This vehicle will not be attempted again. However, the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF's technology has been modified to meet the specifications of the Rally4 category, which is primarily designed to serve as a platform for emerging talent.

Here you'll find even more high-frequency nostalgia.

With the revival, the iconic HF emblem featuring a tiny elephant as a good luck symbol makes a comeback, signifying the most powerful models of the brand. For the rally showcase version, this logo was prominently placed on the hood. Future plans include introducing HF variants for both the Gamma and Delta models as well.

Lancia has not yet released comprehensive details. It remains to be seen whether this feisty contender will pose a significant challenge to rivals such as the Toyota GR Yaris outside of rally racing, or if it will be as memorable as icons like the Stratos, 037, or Delta. We're quietly eager and in the meantime, we're looking forward to the launch of the electric HF in May 2025.

Source: Lancia

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