Kimera unveils the K-39: inspired by an 80s Lancia... with a 1000hp V8 from Sweden "it's more than a dream"

The small Italian manufacturer Kimera Automobili has probably reached a decisive milestone in its history. After seducing enthusiasts with its modern reinterpretations of the mythical Lancia Rally 037 with the EVO37 and EVO38, this time, the Piedmont-based brand has abandoned the simple restomod and entered a whole new dimension: that of hypercars.

Introducing the new Kimera K-39, unveiled at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. A completely mad machine, inspired by the endurance prototypes of the 80s, powered by a Koenigsegg twin-turbo V8 developing... 1000 hp.

A hypercar that blends Lancia, Group C and Pikes Peak

At first glance, it's impossible not to think of Lancia's racing heyday. The low, stretched proportions, massive wheel arches, gigantic air intakes and rear spoiler immediately recall the Italian rally and endurance cars of the 80s.

Kimera is clearly proud of this heritage. The K-39 draws as much inspiration from the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo as from the legendary World Endurance Championship prototypes of the time. But unlike the EVO37 and EVO38, the K-39 is no longer a modernized old model: it's a completely new project, developed from scratch.

The design was conceived around aerodynamics. Every surface works with the airflow. At the front, we find solutions taken directly from modern motorsport, such as an S-Duct-type system for channelling air. At the rear, the giant diffuser and monumental spoiler give the car the look of a road-legal Le Mans prototype.

As if that weren't enough, Kimera also presented a special “Pikes Peak” version, even more radical, with an extreme aerodynamic kit and a Martini Racing livery immediately reminiscent of the greatest Lancia racers.

A Swedish engine in an artisanal Italian

The big surprise, of course, lies behind the interior. Kimera has entered into an unexpected partnership with Koenigsegg to equip its new hypercar with a bespoke twin-turbo V8. Yes, the small Italian brand managed to convince the Swedish manufacturer to supply a specific version of its famous 5.0-liter V8.

In this configuration, the engine develops 1,000 hp at 7,350 rpm and 1,200 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The breaker is set at 8250 rpm. Figures worthy of the most modern hybrid hypercars... except that here, no electrification is announced.

Kimera explains that this powertrain has been specially adapted to the K-39's philosophy. The turbos are smaller and lighter than on some Koenigseggs, in order to improve responsiveness and acceleration out of corners, rather than focusing solely on maximum power. The aim is clear: to offer an extremely lively and brutal car, especially on climbs like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Christian von Koenigsegg himself praised the project, explaining that the K-39 represented exactly the kind of emotional, ambitious car that its engine deserved to animate.

A hand-built hypercar already almost sold out

Like all Kimera creations, the K-39 will be produced in a very limited series. And despite its recent presentation, more than twenty examples have already been allocated to customers, even before the official unveiling. The first ten buyers will even have access to a special Pikes Peak-inspired configuration, with specific aerodynamic elements and an even more radical orientation.

The car will now embark on a world tour, with scheduled appearances at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Monterey Car Week, Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans Classic. With this K-39, Kimera is no longer simply paying tribute to Lancia's glorious past. The Italian manufacturer is now trying to create its own modern legend. And with a 1000hp Koenigsegg V8 installed in a silhouette inspired by the racing monsters of the 80s, it's hard to get more spectacular than this. «It's more than a dream,» says the brand's founder.