Having claimed 15 ERC titles, the iconic brand is readying a Rally4 version of the all-new Ypsilon model, which is due to go on sale in May 2025.
Once homologated, the Ypsilon HF will be in line to contest the FIA ERC4 category and can also be used by drivers competing in FIA Junior ERC.
According to the Italian manufacturer, which along with Rally4 rivals Peugeot and Opel is part of Stellantis, the “hearts of many fans and rally enthusiasts will once again be set aflutter. Lancia has decided to return to the world of rallying, starting from the basics of competition – Rally4, the beating heart of rallying.
“The class represents pure passion, featuring young drivers beginning their careers with a passion to become the professionals of the future. A new beginning in perfect Lancia style, characterised by ambition, pragmatism and humility, in line with the brand's mission and DNA.
“The Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder 4-valve-per-cylinder engine that delivers 212hp. Equipped with front-wheel drive, a 5-speed mechanical transmission and mechanical limited-slip differential, the high-performance model is the ideal solution for all rally enthusiasts to enjoy but is also a serious candidate for drivers aspiring to victory in the Rally4 class and in the two-wheel-drive championships”.
The Ypsilon Rally4 HF will sport the Lancia Corse HF logo, which has been revived and described by Lancia as “the legendary signature of racing cars”.
According to Lancia the brand was “inspired by the historic logo, now revisited with a contemporary flair to look ahead to the future, in line with the brand’s renaissance plan. The word ‘Corse’ is now written in a specially created font. The oblique graphics used for the logo are aimed at expressing the concept of speed, typical of the racing world, creating a stylistic consistency with the shape of the HF logo. Even the colours, black and white, echo the originals”.
Lancia-powered ERC champions from the past include Miki Biaision, Dario Cerato, Bernard Darniche, Sandro Munari and Swede Harry Kälström, who gave Lancia its first ERC title success in 1969. As well as Peugeot and Opel, Lancia’s Ypsilon HF Rally4 would rival M-Sport’s Ford Fiesta Rally4 for ERC4 and Junior ERC honours.
The current ERC season resumes on 13 June with the second running of BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia.
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