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Rally Legends Reborn: Lancia's Ypsilon Rally4 HF Hits The Track
Lancia, the most successful carmaker in rallying with 10 manufacturers' titles, is making a return to factory rallying. The brand, which has not produced a rally car since the 1990s, has announced its comeback. However, this return is limited to the Rally4 category, a junior, front-wheel drive ruleset that mainly races in Europe.
Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF
The new entrant is the Ypsilon Rally4 HF, based on the fourth-gen Ypsilon. This model is the first developed under Stellantis ownership. It uses a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 209bhp to the front wheels. The power is managed through a five-speed sequential gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The Ypsilon Rally4 HF features a livery reminiscent of the brand's famous Martini design, though without the original sponsorship. This tribute brings back memories of the '90s era of rallying. Despite the excitement, enthusiasts are still awaiting the arrival of a fully-fledged WRC Rally1 machine.
Roadgoing Ypsilon HF
Alongside the rally car, Lancia has also introduced the roadgoing Ypsilon HF. Unlike its rally counterpart, this model is all-electric, boasting a 237bhp front-wheel drive setup. This setup is becoming common in other small, quick EVs from Stellantis, such as the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior.
The roadgoing Ypsilon HF features beefed-up bodywork and chunkier sports seats. It revives Lancia's HF badge, which stands for High Fidelity and is symbolized by a running elephant, indicating its unstoppable nature once it gains speed. This model marks the return of the HF badge after nearly 25 years.
DriveSpark Thinks
Lancia plans to produce HF versions of all its upcoming models. This includes the return of the Delta and Gamma nameplates. The introduction of these vehicles highlights the brand's commitment to reviving its historical legacy while embracing modern technology under Stellantis' guidance.
With these latest developments, Lancia aims to re-establish its presence both on the rally stage and in the consumer market, showcasing a blend of heritage and innovation.
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