Kimera is making a comeback and is doing it in style. The Italian brand has come up with the EVO38, a tribute to a car that has never actually existed, the Lancia 038, and an evolution of the Kimera EVO37 from three years ago, but with more power and all-wheel drive.
Lancia had big plans and big dreams in motor racing. But then they stopped the development of the 037 mid-engine rally car, and that was it. It stopped right there and then, with the last Mohican of the two-wheel drive. Lancia just did not have any financial strength left for the car that won the 1983 World Rally Championship.
Now, Kimera Automobili has come up with the EVO38, an “Integrale” version of the EVO37 that the brand unveiled in 2021, the model that was sold out in a heartbeat. Collectors were simply hunting for the moment to place an order. It was based on the Lancia Beta Montecarlo and was powered by a 2.1-liter twin-charged L4 engine, developed by Italtecnica, mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox, which steered 497 horsepower (505 metric horsepower) to the rear wheels.
The model is labeled as the “Ultima Evoluzione,” which is Italian for “Final Evolution.” The EVO38 now comes with a motorsport-derived all-wheel drive system, sporting an electro-hydraulic differential lock that enables the driver to control the percentage of traction split between the front and rear axles.
This means that the 600 horsepower (608 metric horsepower) and 428 pound-feet (580 Newton meters) of torque, pumped out by the 2.1-liter engine, can go to both axles through the six-speed manual. Kimera will also roll out a version with an electro-actuated sequential transmission.
Photo: Kimera Automobili
For the extra oomph, a larger turbocharger, improved ventilation, variable-valve timing, and new cams are to blame. Kimera also retuned the suspension with a central shock absorber with double-side springs on the rear axle and push-rod shock absorbers at the front.
New electronically controlled shock absorbers are on the menu, as well as a lift that helps it tackle the rough terrain without hurting its ego.
It also put the car on a diet. It now tips the scales at 2,425 pounds (1,100 kilograms).
The model comes with looks to match the extra oomph. The Kimera EVO38 wears a restyled bodykit. Larger intakes showed up in the front bumper, while a larger vent made its way to the hood.
Wider fenders with a more angular shape are a hint to the rally DNA of the car, and so are the wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber. Kimera redesigned the air diffuser and rear wing. The round taillights flank the new single exhaust pipe.
There is no photo of the cabin of the Kimera EVO38, but customers are promised better ergonomics. Only 38 such examples will see the light of day, which is one more compared to the EVO37. The model will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. That is probably when we will get info on the pricing. The EVO37 started at 480,000 euros, which translates into almost $520,000.
Kimera is also planning to build the K-39 hyper restomod race car in a very limited production run. The countdown on Kimera's official website shows that we will get to see it in exactly 120 days, which would be toward the end of June.
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