Lancia Delta HF Integrale to Make a Comeback in the Next Year
In a recent press release, Lancia has announced its plans to launch a new version of the legendary Delta, with the "HF Integrale" label, marking a significant milestone for the Italian automaker. While details about the new Delta are scarce, it is expected to be unveiled in 2023.
The new Delta is rumored to share similarities with the Vauxhall Mokka and other small Stellantis crossovers, but the body style is yet to be determined - it could either be an SUV or a modern hatchback. Regardless of the shape, Lancia is aiming to maintain the sporty heritage of the Delta, even though it is not expected to match the performance of the iconic Delta Integrale from the 1990s.
The HF name, a symbol of Lancia's sporty models, will play a central role in the brand's future vision. It will not only be applied to the new Delta but also to the Gamma sedan, and the HF badge will be extended to signify sporty models. This decision reflects Lancia's commitment to reviving iconic models and maintaining its racing heritage.
Lancia's focus on rallying suggests that it is not entirely stepping away from its motorsport roots. In fact, the brand is involved in lower classes of rallying once again. The Ypsilon HF rally car is being built to Rally6 specifications, demonstrating Lancia's dedication to the sport.
Over the last 30 years, Lancia has had several notable sporty models and achievements, particularly from the 1990s through the 2010s. The Lancia Delta Integrale (1990s) set the stage for Lancia’s sporty image with rally success in the late '80s and early '90s, influencing later models. The Lancia 156 (1997-2007) offered sporty engine options such as the 2.0 16V Turbo and 2.5 V6 24V. The Delta and 156 had versions featuring advanced turbocharged and V6 engines that catered to performance enthusiasts.
The Lancia Delta (third generation, 2008-2014) continued sportier trims, with 1.9 JTD and other turbocharged variants, often with sporty badges. The Lancia Lybra and Thesis (late 1990s-2000s) were more luxury than outright sporty, but they did offer high-performance V6 engines.
A notably sporty recent model is the Lancia Ypsilon HF, with a 280-hp engine, marking a modern sporty achievement for the brand with strong performance credentials. The HF and HF Line versions emphasize a sporty, performance-oriented character with modern styling and powertrain.
While Lancia's direct involvement in motorsport has diminished compared to its heyday in rallying, the brand's sporty legacy lives on through these models, emphasizing turbocharged engines and spirited driving experiences.
As for the potential gas-powered version of the Delta HF Integrale, Lancia has not disclosed much information, but it has not ruled out the possibility following Peugeot's approach with its new e-208 GTi. On the other hand, the new Lancia Delta is anticipated to be a dual-motor electric vehicle. The Gamma, another Lancia model, will be offered as a hybrid.
The revival of the Delta nameplate, coupled with Lancia's commitment to performance and its racing heritage, promises an exciting future for the brand. With the new Delta HF Integrale, Lancia aims to rekindle the spirit of its iconic sporty models and continue its legacy in the automotive world.
[1] https://www.lancia.com/gb/en-gb/our-story [2] https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/lancia-ypsilon-hfs-280bhp-hot-hatch-coming-2025
- Lancia is focusing on maintaining the sporty heritage of its models, as evident by the upcoming new Delta HF Integrale and the Gamma sedan, both featuring the HF badge to signify performance-oriented vehicles.
- In addition to its commitment to reviving iconic models, Lancia is also making strides in the electric vehicle market, with the new Lancia Delta anticipated to be a dual-motor electric vehicle.
- The automaker's involvement in rallying and lower classes of the sport demonstrates that Lancia is not entirely stepping away from its motorsport roots, as shown by the Ypsilon HF rally car being built to Rally6 specifications.
- The brand, known for its notable sporty models such as the Lancia Delta Integrale and the Lancia Ypsilon HF, is aiming to rekindle the spirit of its iconic sporty models and continue its legacy in the automotive industry and lifestyle, possibly following Peugeot's approach with its electric vehicles.
