Lancia has announced a comeback to the big motorsports. It will take an Ypsilon HF hatchback into Rally 4 category this season. Just when the first race may take place is still unknown.
The Italian automaker, which is currently a part of Stellantis Group, has 15 champion titles and 10 WRC Constructors’ Cup awards to its name, so it’s no wonder it wants to jump back into the action. That said, Rally 4 is a category for amateurs aspiring to become racing pros; the company must want to start small.
Stellantis already has two Rally 4-compliant vehicles in its lineup – a tuned Opel Corsa and a Peugeot 208. As for the new Ypsilon HF, it will hit the tarmac equipped with a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder engine rated at 212 PS (209 hp / 156 kW). A five-speed manual transmission will carry the torque to the wheels via a limited-slip differential.
Among other things, the racecar will be wearing a modernized version of the company’s iconic Corsa HF emblem.