Lancia Delta HF Integrale - a living legend in the world rally. Today, for most ordinary people brand Lancia and rally - the concepts are difficult to reconcile. Extremely narrow range in recent years and the lack of sports cars don't leave room for the brand association with motor racing. But the Italian Lancia ranked first by number of wins and championship titles in the World Championship WRC.
It all started back in 1979. When the market has a hatchback-class golf Lancia Delta. Honestly, talking about the standard and nothing special Delta. For its time it was a pretty standard hatchback small middle class. Giugiaro designed, developed, and largely thanks to him in 1980. Delta has received the prestigious title of 'Car of the Year in Europe ". For the car offered a wide choice of engines to suit all tastes, and their main competitors, the targets were to be models of Peugeot and VW. Boring, isn't it?
Much more interesting was in 1984. When it was released "charged" version - Delta HF Turbo, which was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. Please note - used mini motor in combination with the turbine, this composition is becoming increasingly popular and today (1.4l biturbo-engine from VW, 1.4 T-Jet Fiat, etc.). Engine power - 130HP - Were enough to light a hatchback, but this version is not popular with buyers. Perhaps due to the fact that soon there were more attractive options.
1985. This milestone in the history of Lancia. Specifically to participate in the World Rally Championship, the Italians have developed and presented to the world his new car - Delta S4. Even 20 years after its specifications are impressive: 1.8-liter engine due to a combination of a mechanical supercharger and turbine developed ... 550l.s.! The scheme of "mechanical supercharger + turbine" is used to provide traction throughout the rev range (for turbocharged engines have the effect of "turboyamy" and bad pull at low revs). Before 4000ob/min worked only mechanical supercharger, by the way - the development of Abarth. 4000ob/min C (in the latter threshold was lowered to 3500) included in the work of the turbine. Acceleration to 100km / h in 2.5 with microscopic (hello, Bugatti Veyron!)! I must say that the installation of all-wheel drive Italian inspired Audi, which were beginning to win the rally in his Quattro. Their example and became the last straw for engineers Lancia, who doubted about the appropriateness of all-wheel drive transmissions rally cars. But the use of all-wheel drive was more than justified, because the increased power S4 car was no longer able to fully "digest" the front wheels only. Estesstvenno that according to regulations of FIA for admission to the car racing series has been released and traffic instances. Deforsirovali engine to 250HP, but by the standards of 80th it was a real "bomb", is dispersed to the "hundreds" of 6s.
A brilliant career ended in the Delta S4 1987. When the International Federation of racing banned participation in the rally car class "B", to which belonged to "Delta". Do it the Federation was forced to frequent accidents in the race routes. During the race on special stage in Corsica accident occurred, resulting in the death of the entire crew of Lancia Delta S4. After that incident, the fate of class "B" has been resolved. Last race of the season and stayed for Lancia, Delta S4 triumphantly ended his career.
After the ban "B" class unclaimed fireballs were such as Audi Quattro S2, Peugeot 205 T16, Citroen BX 4TC, Ford RS200, which constituted the competition model Delta.
1986. The range of expanded Continuous all-wheel modification - Delta 4WD. Outwardly, this version differed little from the base front-wheel drive, while hiding under the body has a completely different car. With its powerful engine (2n, 165l.s.) the car has outstanding dynamic performance: 215 km / h top speed and acceleration 6.6s to "hundreds" (this is the level of contemporary Golf R32, equipped with a 250HP 3.2 V6 c). As a center differential used viskomufty, and on the rear axle was a mechanical lock Torsen. Torque is distributed in favor of the front axle, 56%: 44%.
In 1987. there were in fact the legendary "Grail": was presented the first Delta Integrale 8V. As the name implies, the car was equipped with an 8-valve engine, volume and power of 185HP 2n "Hundreds" sprint for 6.4s, while the maximum rate remained unchanged (215km / h). Of "civilian" versions of the car was different extended wheel arches and an aggressive aerodynamic bodywork around the perimeter of the body.
1989. There is the second Delta Integrale 16V. The appearance of this version was associated not only with the requirements of technical progress or the environment. Integrale 16V positioned as a replacement 8V, although some models were produced in parallel time. A more powerful 16-valve version gave out all the 200hp, overclocked to 100 km / h in 5.7s and to achieve maximum 220km / h!
By 1991. rally rules changed a bit. Decision of the Federation has raised the "cost" of participation in the race - now, for admission to the rally required a release of at least 5000 "road" car. Only model, not too different from those that have already been homologated for racing, could produce a circulation of only 500 pieces. It is the desire to outwit the Federation and save a little money in the production of five hundred road cars instead of 5000, and Italians to produce spodvig Delta Integrale Evoluzione I. For better stability of the car was extended rear track, optimized engine cooling system, power is increased slightly (up to 210HP). More "advanced" and became the car's interior - now there appeared Recaro sports seats and steering wheel Momo, has been available on request and air conditioning.
Later, in 1993. Was presented and Evoluzione II. In contrast to the "evolution" of this machine is no longer used in the race and was only a commercial project. Technically, the car features the new turbine, resulting in reduced zone "turboyamy" and pereprogramirovannomu engine control unit. The thickness of this version was 215HP, but the nature of the car was quieter its predecessor, Integrale Evoluzione I. Also released a separate version Evoluzione II with the catalyst, which is often erroneously called the third "evolution." Externally these cars were distinguished 16-inch wheels and advanced aerodynamics. It was no longer racing race cars, and trendy and popular "hot" hatchbacks for public roads.
As a gift, many fans of Italian prepared a special version - Lancia HF Integrale Evoluzione II Final Edition. This exclusive car was different special paint finishes and luxurious Candy Red interior trim. Because of the very modest print run - only 250 pieces - now this car is of great interest to collectors. Even more exclusive are coupe version of the bodywork studio Zagato - Hyena, and convertible Lancia Delta Evoluzione (1 of 2 gigs at once went to the garage FIAT head while Giovanni Aneli).
Last Delta Integrale left the assembly line in 1994.
Release of "charged» Delta over the years is:
• 1986-1987 - 7, 665 Delta 4WD,
• 1988-1991 - 23,004 Delta Integrale (with versions of 8V and 16V),
• 1991-1993 - 5,619 Car Series Integrale Evoluzione I,
• 1993-1994 - 4,223 Integrale Evoluzione II.
Were produced 47.787 cars.
7 years - from 1986 to 1993 - Lancia confidently dominated the World Championship Rally (WRC). On account of this humble Italian company - 74 wins and 11 league titles, 6 of which it won Delta Integrale. To date, no other company could not even come close to the number of Lancia victories in the WRC.
Delta HF Inregrale considered to be one of the best models of Lancia's history.
Unfortunately, the loud sports glory Lancia middle and end of the last century, not reflected in today's lineup of the company. Today Lancia «inflates his cheeks," and represents a premium brand, although its range is composed of two or three compact models. Not a sports car in the range yet. The few fans of Italian classics are looking forward to sports Lancia Fulvia, the other - their hopes for the latest Delta. But the return of Lancia in motorsport in the near future should not wait. To do this, the company has no polnogoprivoda nor suitable models, no special desire.
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