Lancia 037 homage receives mild-hybrid tech and all-wheel drive in Kimera Evo38 upgrade
Kimera Evo38: A Modern Evolution of the Iconic Lancia 037 Rally Car
The Kimera Evo38, unveiled at Monterey Car Week, is a remarkable restomod that reimagines the classic Lancia 037 as a 1980s Group B 4WD rally car with modern hybrid technology. This innovative vehicle offers a significant leap in power, weight, traction, and emissions, while maintaining the spirit and heritage styling cues of the original.
At its heart lies an upgraded 2.2-liter Lampredi four-cylinder engine, equipped with both a positive displacement supercharger and a turbocharger. The result is an impressive power output of almost 600bhp (592 hp / 441 kW), a substantial increase from the original 037. The engine delivers abundant torque and greater torque elasticity, making the Evo38 a formidable competitor on any terrain.
Unlike the purely mechanical Lancia 037, the Evo38 incorporates a lightweight 48V mild hybrid system, amplifying mechanical power and torque, and improving performance and emissions. This technology, combined with the addition of all-wheel drive, inspired by Group B rally four-wheel-drive technologies, provides the Evo38 with greater traction on slippery surfaces or under high loads.
The Evo38's design is a modern take on the iconic look of the Lancia 037, featuring stretched fenders, a huge rear spoiler, and a sleek, electric blue silhouette. The car's rear end, with the exhaust system allowing for the visualization of the glowing turbocharger, is a striking sight.
Inside, the Evo38 retains a six-speed manual gearbox, blending classic driver engagement with modern power delivery. The driveshaft that links the front axle to the mid-mounted engine runs through the spine of the car's cockpit and is encased in glass, offering a unique view of the vehicle's inner workings.
The driver can control the torque split between the axles using a controller in the cockpit, allowing for optimal performance in various conditions. The Evo38 sends power to the front wheels through a Torsen limited-slip differential, with the option to send all the power through the rear wheels if desired.
The Kimera Evo38 is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and the preservation of automotive heritage. This restomod offers a fascinating blend of old and new, creating a rally car that is both technologically advanced and faithful to its roots. The Evo38 is not just a modern evolution of the Italian firm's debut model, the Evo37, but a reimagining of the Lancia 037 as it might have evolved in the 1980s, had Group B 4WD technology and modern hybrid power been available.
The Kimera Evo38, embracing modern hybrid technology, couples the classic Lancia 037's lifestyle with electric-vehicle advancements, offering a unique fusion of heritage and technology. Considering car-maintenance in its design, the Evo38 includes a lightweight 48V mild hybrid system, streamlining performance and reducing emissions. The resulting transformation makes the Evo38 a perfect amalgamation of old and modern, with the spirit of the Lancia 037 merging seamlessly with the practicality of contemporary technology, including electric vehicles.
