Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione II

Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione II

The 1993 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione II is the ultimate development of the most successful rally car platform in World Rally Championship history. Produced in limited numbers as the final Integrale variant, the Evo II represented the accumulated development of eight years of continuous evolution driven by the demands of international rally competition.

The turbocharged 1,995cc inline-four produced 215 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm, making it the most powerful production Integrale. The Garrett T3 turbocharger, combined with an air-to-air intercooler and revised engine management, provided a powerband that was broad, progressive, and enormously satisfying to exploit.

The Evo II's permanent all-wheel-drive system used a Torsen center differential that distributed torque between front and rear axles. Under normal driving, the split was approximately 56/44 front/rear, but the Torsen could redirect torque to whichever axle had more traction. The rear differential was a hydraulically controlled limited-slip unit that improved traction out of corners.

Visually, the Evo II was distinguished by subtly revised body panels compared to the Evo I. The front bumper featured additional air intakes for improved cooling, the rear spoiler was adjusted for aerodynamic balance, and the wheel arches were marginally wider. These changes were functional responses to the demands of competition and high-speed road driving.

The car's dynamics were its greatest achievement. The combination of turbocharged power, permanent four-wheel drive, and a well-balanced chassis created a car that was devastatingly fast on any surface. On dry tarmac, the Integrale could match or beat dedicated sports cars through corners, while on wet or loose surfaces, the AWD system provided a decisive traction advantage.

The Evo II was offered in several distinctive color schemes, with certain limited editions being particularly desirable. The Dealers Collection cars, available in unique colors with specific interior trim, are among the most sought-after variants.

As the final expression of rallying's most successful platform, the Evo II holds a special position in the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts. It represents the culmination of a development program that began with the humble Delta HF 4WD in 1986 and concluded with a car that remained competitive against the most advanced all-wheel-drive technology the world's manufacturers could produce.

Values for Evo II models have risen dramatically as the car's historical significance has been more widely recognized. The combination of WRC heritage, limited production, and genuinely exciting driving experience ensures its position as one of the most desirable performance cars of the early 1990s.