LANCIA

Lancia Ypsilon Rally 2 HF Integrale

Lancia's latest move is the introduction of the Ypsilon Rally 2 HF Integrale, a machine built to compete in the WRC2 category.

Entry into the WRC...The brand's strategy of starting with Rally4, advancing to Rally2, and then targeting the WRC is seen as cautious and clear. According to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, who told Autosport UK, Lancia is one of the teams in negotiations to join the championship.

However, the team is not the only one negotiating. Among the manufacturers, Toyota has practically guaranteed its presence, while Ford is emerging as a strong contender. Hyundai's continued presence will depend on team principal Cyril Abiteboul's decisions regarding the new rules. Skoda and Lancia itself appear as potential newcomers to the new era of the competition. With 119 years of history, the team has won ten world championships and remains a benchmark in design and performance, marked by iconic vehicles such as the Flaminia and Aurelia B24 Spider, Delta, Stratos, Rally 037, and Fulvia. The brand is betting on yet another launch that reinforces its identity, combining sophistication and boldness.

According to Carscoops, this new racing car looks significantly more aggressive than the entry-level Ypsilon HF Racing and mid-range Ypsilon Rally 4 HF, despite similar white, black and red graphics with the iconic red elephant.

The redesigned aero body kit includes deeper bumpers, a ventilated hood, wide fender flares and a much larger rear wing. It also gets racing mirrors, a roof air vent and white alloy wheels with slick tires.

Lancia notes in its official statement that "the new Ypsilon Rally 2 HF Integrale debuts, bringing the legendary spirit of Lancia's rally victories to today's motorsport. And this is just the beginning."

While Lancia hasn't revealed the specifications, we do know that it complies with Rally 2 regulations. That means it will be equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed sequential gearbox and a 4WD system with mechanical differentials. There's also a minimum weight requirement of 1,230 kg.

Lancia will release more details about the Ypsilon Relly 2 HF Integrale in due course. The model is expected to compete in competitions starting next year, with a possible debut at the first event of the year, the Monte Carlo Rally in January.

As for pricing, Rally 2-spec models typically sell for around €200,000-300,000. That makes it significantly more expensive than the lesser versions, with the Ypsilon HF Racing priced at €38,900, while the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF starts at €74,500.

Autonews