{"id":51644,"date":"2026-06-30T08:50:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T06:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.italpassion.fr\/?p=51644"},"modified":"2026-06-23T09:56:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T07:56:19","slug":"the-alfa-romeo-156-turbo-integrale-is-set-to-return-in-2026-it-features-a-dtm-style-design-and-is-powered-by-a-lancia-delta-engine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.italpassion.fr\/en\/alfa-romeo\/alfa-romeo-156-turbo-integrale-de-retour-en-2026-elle-affiche-un-look-dtm-et-cache-un-moteur-de-lancia-delta\/","title":{"rendered":"Alfa Romeo 156 Turbo Integrale: Set to return in 2026, it sports a DTM-style look and is powered by a Lancia Delta engine"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The \u201cModified\u201d class of the British Alfa Romeo Championship showcases mechanical \u201cFrankensteins\u201d born from the boldest ideas of these passionate drivers. It\u2019s therefore not uncommon to see race cars that look like \u201cpatchwork\u201d creations.\u201d Alfa Romeo<\/a> with frequent engine swaps (as they\u2019re called in the trade). Scott Austin\u2019s Alfa Romeo 156 Turbo Integrale falls into this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternative History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s engage in a bit of alternate history: imagine that, at the end of the 1996 season, the ITC championship (which had expanded internationally from the DTM) hadn\u2019t disappeared. Rather than joining the Super 2000 category of super touring cars, Alfa Romeo decides to continue competing in this top-tier championship and replaces the 155 V6 Ti with a 156 DTM. Today\u2019s featured model could very well embody this hypothetical scenario!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launched in 1997, the\u2019Alfa Romeo 156<\/a> marks a turning point in the brand\u2019s history as well as a true stylistic and technical revival. Its distinctive Latin-inspired design, its exceptionally efficient chassis, its sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension, and its dynamic handling quickly established it as a benchmark. The 156 also enjoyed a successful official racing career, winning several titles in Italian and European Supertourism and the WTCC through 2006.\u00a0 In fact, to this day, it remains the last Alfa Romeo to have benefited from a major racing program\u2014unlike the 147, 159, Giulietta, and Giulia sedans\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powerful, but unpredictable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before being associated with Scott Austin, this Alfa Romeo 156 was driven by Vincent Dubois. The championship archives already mention a 156 equipped with an Integrale engine and a sequential transmission. In 2021, after racing for several seasons in a 155, Scott Austin bought it. Championship organizers note that the car had not been driven for over a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Alfaracer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A major rebuilding and fine-tuning phase is underway before its return to competition.\u00a0The car is known for its impressive performance but also for its reliability issues. In fact, it missed quite a few races in 2024 and 2025 \u201cfollowing a major engine failure,\u201d but made its comeback in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Alfaracer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Integrale Engine: A Spectacular Transplant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What sets it apart from all the other Alfa Romeo 156s in the championship is its engine. This sedan is often referred to in championship reports as an \u201cIntegrale-engined 156.\u201d The majority of British race-spec 156s use naturally aspirated Twin Spark engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scott Austin\u2019s car follows a completely different philosophy: installing a Delta turbo engine in a front-wheel-drive sedan. Specifically, it\u2019s the famous Fiat\/Lancia Lampredi 2.0 16-valve turbo engine, made famous by the Lancia Delta HF Integrale.\u00a0\u00a0This engine is renowned for its exceptional durability and enormous tuning potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Alfaracer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a nod to history, since the GTA\u2014the first competition version of the 155 that preceded the V6 Ti in 1992\u2014was developed based on the Lancia Delta, featuring the 2.0-liter turbo engine and even all-wheel drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Alfaracer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Alfaracer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, the exact power output, weight, and type of transmission used have never been published. Given that this is the Modified class, the power output is likely around 400 ch or even more, but there is no information that clearly specifies this. The 2.0-liter sedans in the BTCC produced 300 chevaux, but turbocharging is widely used in the Modified class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Findings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With Vincent Dubois<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Snetterton 2020: 4th in the overall standings before experiencing problems with the sequential gearbox. The car was described at the time as extremely fast but fragile.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2020 Season: Several retirements or no-shows due to mechanical issues (gearbox, engine crankcase, drivetrain), despite the organizers recognizing its potential. Championship articles describe it as a \u00abbeast\u00bb when it\u2019s running properly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    With Scott Austin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • 2022: Scott Austin wins the Modified class of the championship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 2023: Several top finishes in the category; the car is regularly cited as one of the fastest on the grid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 2025 Brands Hatch Festival Italia: Qualified in the middle of the field against much more modern and powerful cars; the 156 is still in the race despite having suffered major engine damage earlier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 2026 The 156 is back. At Caldwell Park, a small, winding track, it posted the highest top speed at 197 km\/h, compared to 185 km\/h for Jack Berry\u2019s 4C.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Scott Austin\u2019s Alfa Romeo 156 Turbo Integrale remains one of the most radical Alfa Romeos still competing today. Although some of its technical specifications remain a secret, its impact on the championship is now well established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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