1994 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione II

The world was introduced to the Lancia Delta in 1979 when it made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was a very popular small family car during its lengthy production lifespan, with its legacy forged through dominant performances in the World Rally Championship during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lancia made its mark in international rallying with its Fulvia HF, Stratos, Rally 037, and the Delta models, wnning the World Rally Championship for Makes no fewer than 11 times between 1972 and 1992, including six successive victories commencing in 1987. Additionally, Lancia drivers won the European Rally Championship on 14 occasions and the World Drivers' Championship (only instigated in 1978) four times.

With its earliest roots in Group B FIA rally racing, the Lancia Delta Integrale found success on virtually any surface and in virtually any venue, from the Rally Monte Carlo to the Alpine hillclimb. Its success was due to its light and nimble chassis, potent turbocharged high-revving motor, sophisticated braking and suspension, and a race-proven four-wheel drive system.

Delta HF 4WD
Shortly after the Delta HF 4WD was introduced near the close of the 1986 season, the Group B Rally class was canceled following a string of fatal accidents. The World Rally Championship was decided using Group A, which required production of at least 5,000 examples in 12 months to satisfy homologation requirements. Although not originally developed with rallying in mind, the Delta HF 4WD, scored the first two places in its first outing and 1987 season starter, the Monte Carlo Rally. Of the 13 championship races that season, the Group A Delta HF 4WD won 9 events, earning it the 1987 World Rally Championship for Manufacturers and Juha Kankkunen the Drivers Championship.

After winning the first two races of the 1988 season, the Delta HF 4WD was replaced by the Delta HF Integrale.

Delta HF Integrale 8V
Incorporating some of the features of the Delta HF 4WD, the Delta HF Integrale '8V' had a front transversely mounted engine, a five-speed gearbox, and permanent four-wheel drive. Larger ventilated front disc brakes were installed with a larger brake master cylinder and servo. The suspension gained revised front springs, dampers, and front struts. A shorter final drive ratio (3.111 instead of 2.944 on the HF 4WD) matched the larger 6.5x15 wheels. The torque split between the front and rear axles was managed by a Ferguson viscous coupling system and distribution varied based on tire grip and road conditions. A Torsen rear differential further divided the torque sent to each rear wheel based on the grip.

The eight-valve, 2.0-liter fuel-injected four-cylinder engine gained new valves, valve seats, and water pump, a larger air cleaner, larger water and oil radiators, and a more powerful cooling fan. The Garrett T3 turbocharger and the intercooler were larger than the ones used on the Delta HF 4WD, helping to boost output from 163 hp at 5,250 to 185 horsepower at 5,300 RPM. Torque improved to 224 lb-ft at 3,500 RPM (up from 210 lb-ft).

The wider 15-inch 6J alloy wheels wrapped with 195/55 VR tire necessitated the bulged wheel arches, with side skirts fairing into the wheel arches. The hood (bonnet) gained air louvers and the widened bumper housed rectangular auxiliary driving lights and air intakes. The mirrors were painted to match the body color.

Delta HF integrale 16v
Lancia introduced the 'Delta HF Integrale 16V' in 1989 at the Geneva Motor Show, and it won its debut race that year at the San Remo Rally. Its new 16-valve engine received a more responsive Garrett T3 turbocharger, a more efficient intercooler, and larger injectors and produced 200 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. Zero to sixty mph was accomplished in 5.7 seconds, and top speed was achieved at 137 mph.

To accommodate the new 16-valve engine, the bonnet gained a raised center section. New identity badges were placed front and rear, and there were wider wheels and tires. Forty-seven percent of the power was now sent to the front, while the remaining 53 percent went to the rear.

Delta HF integrale 'Evoluzione'
Ongoing development resulted in the first 'Evoluzione' cars being introduced in September 1991 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although named 'Delta HF Integrale,' these became known as the 'HF Integrale Evoluzione' or simply 'HF integrale Evo'. These 'Evo' models were to be the final homologation cars built for the Lancia Rally Team competing under the Martini Racing banner. Having won both the drivers' and manufacturers' championship at the end of the 1991 World Rally Championship season, Lancia officially retired from rally competition. Two factory-backed privateer teams earned Lancia its sixth and final consecutive Constructor's World Rally Championship in 1992. Thus, the Evoluzione 2 of 1993 was not developed by the factory into a rally car.

Mechanical Updates
Modifications to the 16-valve engine powering the Delta HF Integrale boosted output to 207 horsepower at 5,750 RPM in the 'Evo.' Torque output remained unchanged, but it was now at a higher level, 3,500 RPM. The suspension gained box section track control arms, the front strut towers were raised, and an aluminum strut brace was installed. The steering system improved and the brake system gained larger diameter discs and vacuum servo, and fixed two-piston Brembo calipers at the front.

Bodywork and Styling Updates
New five-bolt 7½Jx15-inch Speedline Montecarlo alloy wheels received 205/50 tires. The track was widened by 2.1 inches at the front and 2.4 inches at the rear, and the wheel arch bulges were updated accordingly. The hump on the bonnet was now wider and taller, and the front now had twin, smaller diameter round headlamps (the outboard pair were of the projector type). The roof spoiler residing above the tailgate was manually adjustable in three positions: fully raised, raised, or lowered. There were new yellow HF badges and a sports-type gas cap, and the windscreen wipers had integrated spoilers.

Paint
The three solid paint colors were white, lord blue, or rosso Monza (red). The metallescente mica colors were optional (for a cost) and included winner red, derby green, black, and madras blue.

Interior
The interior was mostly similar to the Delta HF Integrale 16v, featuring dark grey Alcantara with diagonal stripe velour cloth. Recaro seats were options and offered in full dark grey or green embossed Alcantara upholstery. Perforated black leather was available for an additional cost. The leather-covered Momo Corse sports steering wheel was a new feature. Popular optional equipment included air conditioning and an electric metal sunroof.

Production
The HF Integrale Evo was produced from October 1991 through 1992. Near the end of 1992, Maggiora (a body panel supplier for Fiat) was contracted with the assembly of the Evoluzione.

Delta HF integrale 'Evoluzione II'
Further development of the HF Integrale naturally became known as the Evo II, making its debut in June of 1993. Minor modifications to the 2-liter, 16-valve turbo engine boosted output to 215 (DIN) horsepower and incorporated a three-way catalyst and a Lambda probe, with everything being organized by a new Marelli integrated engine control system. A cosmetic and functional facelift added new 16-inch light-alloy rims with 205/45 ZR 16 tires, a body-color roof molding to underline the connection between the roof and the Solar control windows, air-intake grilles on the front mudguards, red-painted cylinder head, and an aluminum fuel cap.

Recaro sport seats were now standard on all markets, and there was a new leather-covered three-spoke MOMO steering wheel. Fog lamps and ABS were also standard, but air conditioning remained optional.

Exterior paint colors were reduced to bianco (white), blu Lancia (dark blue), and rosso Monza (red). The interior was beige Alcantara with diagonal stitching on seat centers and door panels.

Limited Editions
Based on both the Evo I and II, Lancia produced various limited editions that were shared amongst its own dealer network. Some were reserved for specific markets, owners clubs, or selected customers, while others were distributed for general sale. Among the Integrale variants included the Martini 5, Martini 6, Club Italia, Edizione Finale, Dealers' Collection, Verde York, and Giallo Ginestra (Gorse Yellow).

The Evoluzione 2 Bianco Perlato was known affectionately amongst enthusiasts as 'La Perla,' and 365 examples were built worldwide. They received a color combination of White Pearl bodywork and a blue leather Recaro interior, including the Momo steering wheel.

A total of 220 examples were finished in Giallo Ginestra (Gorse Yellow) with its Recaro seats trimmed in dark gray Alcantara with contrasting yellow stitching.

Delta Generations
The first generation of the Lancia Delta was produced from 1979 through 1994. The second generation (Nuova Delta / Tipo 836) was previewed in 1993 at the Geneva Motor Show, with its production continuing through 1999. Lancia introduced the third generation of Delta styling in 2008 at the Geneva Motor Show, with production ceasing in 2014.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024