AUTONEWS

Discover the curious history of the Lancia HF Integrale ‘Bi-Pedale’

Competition is the testing ground where manufacturers experiment with technological advances that they later implement in road cars. In the 1980s, however, the desire to win brought with it some inventions applied to the rally world that seemed unthinkable years ago, such as the Opel Kadett GSi with four pedals. Today we show the curious history of the Lancia HF Integrale 'Bi-Pedale' from 1989.

Governed by a less stringent standard, the teams worked to develop more powerful mechanics and transmissions that were tougher and faster. For this, it was necessary to carry out some experiments, such as the one on this Lancia Delta HF Integrale, which was equipped with a sequential transmission to eliminate the clutch pedal and allow the pilot to concentrate only on the brake and accelerator pedals.

The vehicle in question debuted in the 1989 Group A season. It was equipped with a 6-speed 'Type R70' sequential transmission developed by Abarth, an experimental system equipped with an electronic control that sent the signal to activate the gear. With this, it was possible to reduce the times of gear changes and, consequently, to improve the speed and acceleration, reducing the times and allowing the drivers to command the car with both feet, a technique widely used in Group A.

The 1989 Rally de Portugal was the scenario chosen by Lancia for Didier Auriol to test the first Delta HF Integrale ‘Bi-Pedale’. But the French driver was forced to retire after suffering a clutch problem. The car would later pass into the hands of Grifone, where it would be driven by Fabrizio Tabaton and then by Yves Loubet.

In total, three copies were assembled and today only one copy survives. The car is currently on sale through Italians from Ruote da Sogno, has Abarth Classic certification and FIA passport until the end of 2026. It also sports Martini Racing colors and an asphalt configuration. In the images of the Lancia Delta HF Integrale 'Bi-Pedale' from 1989, we can see in detail the only two pedals it equipped.