Alexandre
After an absence of more than 30 years, the legendary Lancianow under the aegis of Stellantis, is set to make a comeback in the world of rallying. The announcement, though unofficial, has already created a wave of excitement among rally enthusiasts, especially in Italy with Autosprint magazine.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, himself a fervent rally enthusiast, was spotted driving a Lancia Stratos at the 24th Rally Montecarlo Historique two years ago. This symbolic gesture had already fuelled rumours and hopes of a Lancia return to rally competition.
This hope could become a reality and seems to focus on the future Lancia Ypsilon, which would be transformed into a rally car. compliant with Rally 2 specifications. Development of this project should begin as early as 2024, with the aim of participation in 2025, to prepare the brand for the transition to the new WRC regulations in 2027.
Since 2023, it has been possible to drive a combustion engine with mild hybrid technology in Rally 2. And that's just as well, because the Ypsilon will be offered in electric version, as well as with the 1.2 PureTech Hybrid with 48 V mild electrification.
Lancia CEO Luca Napolitano reiterates his commitment to the brandunderlining a strategy aimed at renewing Lancia's commitment to motorsport. This effort is also linked to marketing initiatives, as evidenced by the planned February launch of the new Ypsilon 2024, which will include an electric limited edition 100% in tribute to the brand's founding year. In 2025, the Lancia Ypsilon HF, a much more powerful electric version, is due to be presented.
While Stellantis has yet to make an official announcement, Carlos Tavares' involvement and enthusiasm for rallying leave little room for doubt about the group's intentions. Already present in Rally 2 with the Citroën C3, the latter could make way for the Ypsilon in 2025.
The rally world is eager to see how this initiative will pan out, and whether Lancia, with its heritage and prestige, can once again make its mark on the rally landscape.
The PureTech 1.2 hybrid engine might be a little light for the WRC.
The other problem is that Lancia's image has changed: it's no longer about sport as it was with the Stratos or the Delta Integrale , but rather luxury with a certain refinement.
Unless they put the 1.3 gse like on the Brazilian 208 or even extrapolate the 1.5 which is on the Tonale... but I don't really believe it...
At a time when Lancia was racking up rally victories, the range was oriented towards fashion, luxury and elegance, with the sole exception of the Delta Integrale model.
We'll have to give ourselves the means to do so, quite simply by adapting the budget allocated to technical challenges and not the other way round. But this commitment is very good news indeed!
It would be great to see Lancia (via Stellantis) and Subaru (with Toyota's help for the engine) back in rallying. This would revive the sport and give young drivers more opportunities.