If you know your rallying history, Lancia was one of the most dominant in the sport during the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. However, time has not been kind to the brand and in fact, Lancia has been reduced to nothing more than the Ypsilon hatchback in certain markets.
Lancia makes a rallying return
In a rather exciting and heavily speculated news item, the fabled Italian automaker has confirmed that they are turning the Ypsilon into a Rally car. This was announced just ahead of the Rally of Sardinia taking the rallying world by storm and follows the brand’s announcement this past March that the HF (High Fidelity) sports variants are also coming back.
The Ypsilon Rally4 will be powered by a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged that will make 212hp. Rally4 classification is one of the junior classes of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and the Ypsilon will be going up against some stablemates. Since Lancia is owned by the Stellantis, it will be going up against the Peugeot 308 and Opel Corsa Rally4 versions.
Lancia’s Ypsilon Rally4 version will be a front-wheel drive vehicle equipped with the trappings needed for rallying like a 5-speed mechanical transmission and a limited-slip differential.
No word yet as to when the Ypsilon Rally4 will hit the dirt but the rallying world is waiting with baited breath.
