A legendary carmaker seems to have been “resurrected” after no less than 60 years. It has done so in a very different era, where fossil fuels are on the verge of disappearing. Perhaps that is why they have made a very curious bet: this is the fuel that they are going to use and you will not believe it. Who would have imagined it when this brand was on the roads of America?
Legendary carmaker has returned after… 60 years: we´ll see it on the roads again
Lancia is quite possibly the most recognizable and adored car company from Italy, and it has reemerged back into the limelight with its newest model known as the Ypsilon. Boy, the company is now planning to introduce it again after some time with a “354” Ypsilon HF that is high on performance.
Thus, the Ypsilon HF is a truly important car for Lancia as it is the first purely electric car from the brand with an emphasis on high performance. The Ypsilon HF is a five-door coupé hatch with a 100% electrical motor, providing a power output of 237 horsepower, making it capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 5 seconds. 8 seconds.
This performace is on the same level as the ‘standard rivals’ such as the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, thanks to the potential provided by the Common Modular Platform (CMF), on which the production of multiple Stellantis models is based.
The electric motor uses a 54-kWH battery system which is also used in Alfa Romeo and Abarth variants disclosed earlier. The Ypsilon HF is equipped with a slimmer frame for better control and has a more powerful engine along with a lowered suspension, providing better grip.
So exclusive, that it won´t be for all drivers: who will drive this enigmatic car?
It has also been reported that Lancia is set to launch more high-performance vehicle models with the Ypsilon HF being the initial model. The company also confirmed to launch HF versions of its future models which includes the returning Gamma and Delta in the later half of this decade.
Apart from the regular road car version – Ypsilon HF, Lancia is proudly presenting their foray back to the world of rallying through Ypsilon Rally 4 HF. However, while the electric car has a high-voltage engine, the rally car has a more conventional turbo gas engine.
The 1.16-valve DOHC 2-liter three-cylinder develops 209 horsepower and is linked to a five-speed manual transmission fitted with a mechanical limited-slip differential. On unearthing a benchmark FIA Group Rally 4 prototype machine, the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF was created as a rally car to signal Lancia’s comeback into rally.
Where will you see this new electric Lancia after 60 years?
It is quite a relief to see that Lancia has finally come back to the realm of rallying and let’s hope that this time it will persistently work for its success. Although Lancia has ceased its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship prior to the 1992 season, the car manufacturer continues to reign as the most victorious team.
The idea of the Italian brand returning to the rally stages will definitely see a lot of exciting from the enthusiasts and the rally fans. Two brand new models, the Ypsilon HF and Ypsilon Rally 4 HF will reportedly be launched in the European markets in May, 2025.
However, Lancia is not only going to make come back with these two models, still, there is more to say about Lancia. The brand is also increasing its holding of significant markets in Europe such as Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands, but not here in America, so you will have yo wait.
At this point, it is clear that the first electric Lancia will be a step forward in sustainable mobility, but not the only one. The key is now to develop new fuels in order not to be left behind, something that other carmakers are considering with hydrogen. Will this be the expected successful return of a brand that had been forgotten? 60 years later, here they are again.
