Could the Ypsilon HF be Lancia’s return to form?

For most millennials, the name Lancia might not ring a bell, but, for those in the know, Lancia is one of the most prolific automakers in the world of motorsport. Making their mark on the rallying scene, Lancia dominated the world of rallying for a long period with cars like the Fulvia, Stratos HF, and the most successful car in the history of the WRC, the Delta HF.

Now though, Lancia has been struggling for quite some time with their lineup only consisting of one car, the Ypsilon. There is hope for the Italian brand however as Stellantis reveals the fourth-generation Ypsilon is getting a High Fidelity version, marking the official return of HF.

Breaking tradition, the new Ypsilon HF is entirely electric, unlike its combustion-powered predecessors. Equipped with a front-mounted motor, it boasts 237 hp, just like the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. This similarity is no accident, as all three vehicles utilize the Common Modular Platform (CMF), a vehicle platform supporting many Stellantis models.

The electric motor is powered by a 54-kWh battery pack, the same one used in the Alfa Romeo and Abarth models. Lancia claims it can accelerate from zero to 100 in 5.8 seconds, making it quicker than most road cars out there. In addition to the enhanced electric motor, the Ypsilon HF features a wider track and a lowered suspension to improve handling.

Even more good news, Lancia announces that all upcoming models will receive the High-Fidelity treatment, including the much-anticipated Gamma and Delta revivals scheduled for release later this decade.

In addition, the Ypsilon HF has a rally-ready version called the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF. Unlike its electric road-going counterpart, this motorsport version is equipped with a turbocharged gasoline engine—a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder unit delivering 209 hp. Developed to meet FIA's Group Rally4 regulations, the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF marks Lancia's return to rally racing after a long hiatus. Group Rally4, introduced in 2019, evolved from the R2 class of Group R cars.

The rally car is front-wheel drive, featuring a five-speed gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential. It closely resembles the street-legal version due to regulations requiring it to be largely based on a production vehicle. 

Though we may never see a Lancia-badged vehicle officially go on sale in the Philippines, fans of rallying will be delighted to see the return of one of its most successful constructors back in the saddle. 

If you want to take a look at cars from brands under the Stellantis umbrella, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Peugeot vehicles are available for sale in the country, check them out on AutoDeal.com.ph