Discover the Retro-Futurism of the Kimera EVO37: A Lancia Legend Reborn
Within the heart of every car enthusiast beats a desire for the unique, the exotic, and the historically rich. This year at the Chicago Auto Show, amidst the gleaming metal and the roar of engines, something truly extraordinary stood out. It's not every day that a car manages to capture the essence of a bygone era while simultaneously pointing forward to the future of automotive design and engineering. Yet, the Kimera EVO37 does just that, reviving the spirit of Lancia's 1980s rally dominance while innovating with modern sensibilities.
A Rally Legend Reimagined
Stepping onto the stage at the Chicago Exotic Car Group's display, amidst familiar faces and automotive treasures, one car stole the show for me. It was the Kimera EVO37, a vibrant homage to the Lancia Rally 037, the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the World Rally Championship. Limited to just 37 units, this Italian restomod is not just a tribute, but a renaissance of Lancia's legacy.
Lancia's rally hero, the 037, was reborn through the Kimera EVO37, but with a twist. Keeping the mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout of the original, Kimera Automobili took a 1976-1977 Lancia Beta Montecarlo and reimagined it. The EVO37 has been extended and widened, featuring a full carbon body that keeps its weight just over a ton, merging past glory with current advances.
Art On Wheels
Adorning the EVO37 are classic light blue hues, with yellow headlights and gold wheels, complemented by carbon aero discs. These features pay homage to the 037's rally heritage while showcasing modern automotive artistry. The attention to detail is mesmerizing, with Martini stripe-inspired emblems getting one lost in the deep pools of its design intricacies.
American soil felt the might of the EVO37 for the first time at the Monterey Car Week in 2022. Owned by IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, the vehicle, affectionately named ‘Edda’, after the famed soprano Edda Dell’Orso, captures not just the aesthetical beauty of Italian design but also its lyrical prowess. Its 2.1-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine bellows a symphony of power, delivering over 500hp and 550Nm torque.
Engineering Mastery
The Kimera EVO37 isn't just a stunner in looks; it's a beacon of engineering excellence. Enshrouded in its design is the signature of the craftsman, a testament to the dedication and skill that went into its making. Its engine, a marvel that sings a beautiful song, is flanked by an Öhlins-based rear suspension setup featuring twin DFV shock absorbers on each side, ready to conquer both the track and the hearts of car aficionados.
Luxury Meets Performance Inside
Slip inside the EVO37, and you'll find yourself enveloped in a luxury cocoon. Blue Alcantara with white stitching contrasts beautifully against gold accents. The delicately crafted shifter is a standout, merging form with function in a dance of tactile satisfaction.
My time at the Chicago Auto Show was largely spent marveling at this fusion of performance and beauty. The Kimera EVO37 is more than a car; it's an expression of passion, a bridge between the past and the future. It stands as a testament to Italian automotive excellence, lovingly melding the timeless heritage of the Lancia 037 Rally with the innovation of the modern age.
Shawn Zile Huang
Instagram: shawnhuang721