Lancia announces return to rallying with Ypsilon Rally4 HF

Another legendary name in rallying is returning to the sport after a long hiatus. And no, they don’t go by the name Sebastien.

Lancia has announced they will once again go rallying with their newest hatchback called the Ypsilon HF. This marks the comeback of the WRC’s most successful manufacturer, having won 10 constructors’ titles with iconic cars such as the Fulvia, Stratos, the 037, and the Delta HF Integrale driven by legendary rally drivers such as Juha Kankkunen, Miki Biasion, and Walter Rohrl.

However, Lancia won’t return to top-flight WRC just yet. Instead, they will mark their rallying return in the Rally4 class. Lancia says ”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, characterized by ambition, pragmatism and humility, in line with the brand's mission and DNA.”

While the production version features an all-electric powertrain, Lancia is set to compete in the two-wheel-drive Rally4 class with the Ypsilon HF powered by a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbo developing 212 horsepower.

Since Lancia is now under the Stellantis Group, the Ypsilon Rally4 HF is set to share platforms and common elements (engine, gearbox, suspension) with the Peugeot 208 Rally4 and the Opel Corsa Rally4. The former is proving to be a competitive mainstay in the lower levels of rallying, and that bodes well for Lancia going forward.

For now, Lancia is yet to announce when the Ypsilon Rally4 HF will hit the stages. But since the high-performance all-electric road car will be revealed in 2025, we reckon the rally car will follow shortly after that.