Lancia, known for its racing heritage and iconic rally cars, is making a comeback with the unveiling of their new Ypsilon HF. This hot-hatch version of the standard Ypsilon not only brings back the thrill of a racy Lancia but also introduces a motorsports version for FIA Group Rally4.
The Ypsilon HF shares its powertrain with the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, featuring a single electric motor that powers the front axle. However, unlike the standard Ypsilon which produces 154 horsepower, the Ypsilon HF pushes that number up to an impressive 237 hp. This upgrade allows the Ypsilon HF to accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 5.8 seconds, making it 2.9 seconds faster than its non-performance counterpart.
To enhance its performance capabilities, Lancia has made several modifications to the Ypsilon HF’s handling. The track has been widened, and the suspension has been lowered, ensuring improved stability and agility on the road. Visually, the Ypsilon HF looks the part of a high-performance vehicle with a sharper front fascia, a larger lower intake bearing the HF logo, and black underlining on the side intakes. While the rear of the car has not been revealed yet, it is expected to have its own distinct styling elements, potentially including the large black bumper seen on the rally racer. The overall look is completed with a set of six-spoke wheels that perfectly complement the car’s attitude adjustment.
As for its rally counterpart, the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF takes a different approach due to the World Rally Championship’s lack of electric or hybrid vehicles. Powering this rally version is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine positioned at the front. With 209 hp sent to the front wheels through a five-speed transmission and a limited-slip differential, the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF is poised to deliver impressive performance on the rally stage. It features hood scoops for engine cooling and a roof scoop for the driver and co-driver. The rally version also pays homage to Lancia’s iconic Delta Integrale with its white, 15-spoke wheels. There is speculation that the rally car may secure sponsorship from Martini, a renowned partner of Lancia in its rally glory days.
These new models, the Ypsilon HF and Ypsilon Rally 4 HF, are just the beginning for Lancia’s HF (High Fidelity) lineup. Lancia has already promised future HF makeovers for their upcoming Gamma crossover and electric Delta models, further solidifying their commitment to performance-driven vehicles.
While the Ypsilon HF and Ypsilon Rally 4 HF showcase Lancia’s dedication to petrol-powered performance, there is curiosity surrounding the possibility of an HF treatment for the Ypsilon with a mild-hybrid powertrain. With hybrid vehicles gaining popularity, it remains to be seen if Lancia will extend the HF treatment to this variant.
Excitingly, Lancia has announced that the Ypsilon HF will be available for purchase in May 2025. However, there is no official word yet on when the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF will hit the competition circuit. With its impressive specifications and Lancia’s rallying pedigree, the Rally 4 HF is expected to be a serious contender in the R4 class and two-wheel drive championships.
In conclusion, Lancia’s reintroduction of the Ypsilon HF and Ypsilon Rally 4 HF marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has been absent from the racing scene since their victory in the World Rally Championship in 1992. These new models not only pay homage to Lancia’s racing heritage but also pave the way for future HF iterations in their lineup. With their unique blend of performance and style, these cars are sure to capture the hearts of racing enthusiasts and fans of the iconic Lancia brand.
