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Italian automotive design firm Kimera Automobili just revealed the EVO37, a tribute car to the legendary Lancia 037 of 1980s rally racing fame. The EVO37 is a reimagined modern version of the cult-status 037, the last rear-wheel-drive rally car to win a championship title in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Developed as part of the FIA Group B homologation rules, the Martini Racing team drove the Lancia 037 in WRC races from 1982 to 1986. A supercharged 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a ZF-sourced five-speed manual transmission propelled the 037 through the tough terrain that marks WRC racing. The Abarth and Pininfarina-designed rally car's little four-pot generated 205 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque, which helped it win several victories during its rally racing run. The four-wheel-drive Lancia Delta S4 would later replace the iconic 037.
Renowned engineer Claudio Lombardi, responsible for the Delta S4 engine, helped develop the powertrain of the EVO37. Re-engineered by Italtecnica under the direction of Lombardi, the new car's reworked turbo-four produces 505 hp and approximately 406 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed sequential transmission.
The gritty and gorgeous EVO37 exudes perfection. This restomod was built from the ground up using a central cage based on the Lancia Beta Montecarlo. The vibrant red EVO37 maintains the exterior lines and shapes of the original 037. It comes fitted with rally-inspired wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber, as well as Brembo brakes, adjustable Öhlins shock absorbers, and carbon-fiber body panels. The EVO37 has a completely overhauled interior, too, and it comes fitted with carbon-fiber trim, leather and Alcantara upholstery, and Delta S4-inspired sport seats, which are lined in either leather or Alcantara.
Kimera Automobili will only produce 37 examples of this muscularly sculpted work of art, of which 11 have already sold. Plan on spending at least €480,000 (about $586,100 at current exchange rates) to call one of these machines your own. The EVO37 will make its official debut at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
