To start with, some history. In 1982 the umbrella motorsport organization FISA (now FIA) introduced the new Group B rally rules. The aim was to make rallying more attractive to manufacturers. There were few rules and only 200 homologation models had to be built. Lancia was one of the first to take the lead with the 037. Peugeot, Ford and MG followed, with the 205 T16, RS200 and Metro 6R4. The Audi Quattro was a Group 4 rally car modified for Group B.
Lancia 037 based on Beta Montecarlo
The Lancia 037 is loosely based on the Lancia Beta Montecarlo. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a mechanical compressor. The power of the rally version is between 259 and 285 hp. The later Evo 2 variants have a 2.1-liter power unit with up to 330 hp. And that on a vehicle weight of about 960 kilos. Lancia built just over 200 road cars to meet homologation requirements. The Lancia 037 Stradale has ‘only’ 208 hp. In 1982 the 037 took the title in the World Rally Championship. He is the last rear-wheel drive to do that.
Kimera EVO37 met compressor on my turbo
The Kimera EVO37 is not just any hobby project. Kimera Automobili has engaged Claudio Lombardi for the motor; the man responsible for the engines in Lancia’s rally cars in the early 1980s. The EVO37 has a power source with a capacity of 2.1 liters – just like in the 037 Evo 2 – but with a compressor and a turbo. Lancia pioneered the technology in the 1985 Lancia Delta S4 Group B rally car. The compressor works at low revs, above that the turbo takes over from him. The so-called twin charging helps the rear-wheel drive Kimera EVO37 with 500 hp and 550 Nm of torque.
You can get one for half a million euros
If you worry about that: no, Kimera does not demolish one of the rare 037 Stradales to make an EVO37. The Italian company uses the Lancia Beta Montecarlo as a basis and then starts modernizing. For example, the suspension comes from Ohlins, the brakes are purchased from Brembo and the body parts are made of carbon fiber. The Kimera EVO37 weighs around 1,000 pounds, so prepare for toxic performance. Kimera plans to build just 37 units of the EVO37, priced at $ 480,000 each. The first customer cars will be delivered in September.