1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II

Few cars have left as indelible a mark on both motorsport and the automotive world as the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II. Debuting in June 1993, this final and most refined evolution of the Delta Integrale represents the culmination of Lancia’s dominance in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during the late '80s and early '90s. With a blend of cutting-edge technology, raw power, and unmistakable Italian design, the Evoluzione II remains a beloved icon for enthusiasts worldwide.

The story of the Lancia Delta begins with its debut at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show. A family hatchback at heart, the Delta was a product of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s design prowess. But it was the introduction of the Delta HF 4WD and later, the Integrale, that cemented its status as a rallying legend. Lancia’s engineers took the relatively humble Delta platform and transformed it into a machine capable of winning six consecutive WRC Constructors’ Championships between 1987 and 1992. Modified versions of the HF Integrale brought home victory after victory, with drivers like Juha Kankkunen and Miki Biasion claiming Drivers’ Championships during that period.

The road-going Integrale models, particularly the Evoluzione II, were designed to satisfy homologation requirements, meaning they had to stay true to their rally roots. And that they did, with thousands of fans clamouring for a piece of rally history.

The Evoluzione II marked the peak of the Delta HF Integrale lineage. Under the hood, it packed an updated version of the 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged engine, now producing 215 PS (212 hp) and a staggering 314 Nm of torque. This engine was more refined than ever, with advanced technologies such as timed sequential multipoint injection, a new Garrett turbocharger, and a knock control system ensuring optimum performance and reliability.

All this power was controlled by Lancia’s well-honed four-wheel-drive system, which had been continually improved over years of rallying success. The handling was razor-sharp, with a Marelli engine control system providing adaptive injection times and mapped ignition, giving the driver confidence whether they were tackling a tight mountain road or just cruising.

What set the Evoluzione II apart from its predecessors was its meticulous attention to detail. The car sported new 16-inch alloy wheels, 205/45 ZR 16 tires, and a range of subtle yet effective aerodynamic tweaks, including a revised front bumper and larger air intakes. These changes didn’t just enhance the car’s aggressive appearance,they made it faster and more stable at speed.

While the Evoluzione II is rooted in motorsport, its design is unmistakably Italian, with a combination of functionality and flair. The updated model received a cosmetic facelift, including a new aluminium fuel cap, air-intake grilles on the front fenders, and a striking red-painted cylinder head that hinted at the car’s performance pedigree.

Inside, the Evoluzione II balanced sportiness with comfort. The cabin was fitted with high-back Recaro sport seats as standard, offering both support and luxury. These seats were upholstered in beige Alcantara with distinctive diagonal stitching, while the dashboard featured a leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, a hallmark of performance cars of the era.

Despite its rally roots, the Evoluzione II wasn’t short on creature comforts. Features like ABS, fog lamps, and solar-control windows came standard, while air conditioning was the only optional extra. This blend of practicality and performance made the car just as capable on a daily commute as it was tearing up a winding back road.

The Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II is a piece of automotive history. Its incredible success on the rally stage, combined with its cutting-edge technology and striking design, make it one of the most revered hot hatches of all time. With only 44,296 Integrales ever built, and the Evoluzione II being the pinnacle of that lineage, these cars have become sought-after collectibles.

Owning an Evoluzione II today is a passport to a bygone era, a time when Lancia dominated the rally world, and cars were designed with both passion and purpose. For those lucky enough to drive one, it offers a visceral connection to the glory days of Group A rallying, where skill and raw power reigned supreme.

In the world of hot hatches, few can claim the same level of pedigree or desirability as the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II. It remains a symbol of Italian excellence, rallying dominance, and the pursuit of automotive perfection.