Lancia, the storied Italian automaker, marked its official return to rally racing in Italy today with a special test drive of the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF by rally legend Miki Biasion. Biasion, a two-time World Rally Champion and the most successful Italian rally driver of all time, is playing a pivotal role in the development of both the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF and the new Lancia Ypsilon HF.
In this exclusive test, Biasion fine-tuned the setup, braking, and engine calibration of the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF, aiming to achieve optimal performance for competitive racing. The 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, delivering 212 hp, is part of Lancia’s strategy to return to its rally roots with a focus on the Rally 4 category. This category, known for fostering young driving talent, perfectly aligns with Lancia’s renewed ambition and heritage.
Lancia CEO Luca Napolitano expressed excitement over the brand’s resurgence in rallying. “Today is a significant milestone for Lancia,” he stated. “With Miki Biasion’s expertise contributing to our car’s development, we are preparing for a strong comeback. Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Eugenio Franzetti as Lancia Corse HF Director, who will spearhead our rally initiatives.”
The new Lancia Ypsilon HF, set to launch in May 2025, features an electric engine with a power output of 280 hp, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. Biasion’s involvement has been instrumental, leveraging his extensive rally experience to enhance the vehicle’s dynamics, including engine response, ground grip, braking, and gearbox responsiveness.
Biasion shared his enthusiasm after the test drive: “The initial feeling of driving the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF was brilliant. We’ve worked on various aspects to improve performance, and I’m honored to contribute to the development of these key models in Lancia’s Renaissance Plan.”
The Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF is distinguished by the return of the historic HF and “LANCIA CORSE HF” logos, which have been modernized while respecting their iconic geometries. These symbols, deeply rooted in Lancia’s racing heritage, represent high performance and the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
With its rich history of rally success, including 15 World Rally Championships and numerous other accolades, Lancia is poised to rekindle its legacy in motorsport. The company’s Renaissance Plan emphasizes innovation, timeless design, sustainability, and customer-centric values, promising a future as ambitious as its storied past.
Source: Miki Biasion Takes the Wheel of the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF
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