THE NEW KIMERA Evo38 is a vision of “what would have been” if the legendary, WRC-winning Lancia 037 had continued being developed beyond 1986 rather than being retired.
It is an evolution of the Italian firm’s debut model, the Evo37. The most notable modification is the addition of a driven front axle to make this a true ‘Integrale’, in Lancia parlance – and bring to fruition a concept for a four-wheel-drive 037 that never materialised in period.
Kimera says it is “the further and ultimate evolution of a concept of cars conceived for racing and then transferred to the roads: pure, analogical, physical and mechanical cars, forged by creative flair, craftsmanship, practical manual skills and irreplaceably human sensibilities”.
Like the 4WD rally cars that emerged after the demise of Group B – the category in which Lancia was often dominant – the Evo38 features an electrohydraulic differential that can be calibrated from the cockpit to give the driver precise control over how much power is sent to each axle. While the 4WD system notionally gives the Evo38 more controlled and precise handling over the Evo37, Kimera points out that the differential set-up also means it can still be driven with the front wheels disconnected from the drivetrain.
The Evo38 also offers greater potential for configuring suspension settings, with motorised shock absorbers controlled via buttons on the steering wheel. In addition, a new suspension lift function prepares the car for more extreme terrains – or speed bumps.
