Lancia has announced plans to make a return to rallying with confirmation it will create a Rally4 version of its new Ypsilon hatchback.
The news ahead of this weekend’s Rally Sardinia follows months of speculation linking the Italian manufacturer, the most successful in World Rally Championship history having won 10 constructors’ titles (1974-1976, 1983, 1987-1992), with a rallying comeback.
Following the announcement that it is reviving its famous HF [High Fidelity] brand in March, Lancia previewed its high performance all-electric Ypsilon HF and announced a combustion Rally4 programme.
The Rally4 version will be powered by 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that will develop 212 horsepower.
Lancia is best known for producing the Delta and later Delta Integrale that powered Juha Kankkunen and Miki Biasion to four drivers titles between 1987 and 1991, but also won the constructors’ title in the WRC’s Group B pomp with the 037 in 1983 and previously claimed three straight constructors’ titles with the Stratos from 1974 to 1976.
