Ghost in the Machine: The Kimera EVO37 and the Resurrection of Rally's Last Queen

The 2021 debut of the Kimera EVO37 represents more than a traditional restoration project; it is a high-precision engineering endeavor defined by its creators as Authentic Evolution. Founded by former rally driver Luca Betti and headquartered at the historic Villa Kimera in Cuneo, Italy, Kimera Automobili sought to answer a singular hypothetical scenario: how would the legendary Lancia 037—the last rear-wheel-drive car to win a World Rally Championship—look and perform if developed with twenty-first-century technology. The result is a 505-horsepower, carbon-fiber masterpiece that bridges the raw aggression of the Group B era with modern manufacturing precision.

The Architects of Authenticity

What distinguishes the EVO37 from other boutique automotive projects is the direct involvement of the engineering team that created the original rally icon. Luca Betti successfully recruited Sergio Limone, who directed the original 037 project for Abarth and Lancia, to oversee the chassis configuration and styling. Engineering legend Claudio Lombardi, the architect of Lancia’s powertrain dominance in the 1980s and a former Ferrari Formula One technical director, led the development of the EVO37’s unique engine. Furthermore, two-time World Rally Champion Miki Biasion assisted in fine-tuning the vehicle's handling dynamics, ensuring the car possessed genuine motorsport pedigree.

Mechanical Symphony: The Twincharged Heart

At the center of the EVO37 is the 2.15-liter four-cylinder unit that utilizes a sophisticated twin-charging system. This setup features both a Roots-type volumetric supercharger and a large centrifugal turbocharger. The supercharger provides immediate torque at low engine speeds to eliminate turbo lag, while an electronically managed electro-clutch disengages the supercharger at higher RPMs to reduce parasitic loss, allowing the turbocharger to deliver peak high-end power.

This powertrain produces 505 horsepower and 550 Newton-meters of torque in its standard configuration, enabling a sprint from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in just three seconds and a top speed of 310 kilometers per hour. Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transaxle from Dana Graziano, though a sequential option is available for those seeking a more race-oriented experience.

Structural Evolution: From Montecarlo to Carbon

The structural foundation of each EVO37 is a donor Lancia Beta Montecarlo, maintaining a spiritual and legal link to the original 037. The central steel monocoque is stripped and reinforced, then mated to bespoke front and rear tubular subframes constructed from high-strength chromoly steel. This architecture provides significantly greater torsional rigidity than the 1980s original.

The bodywork is a total departure from the fiberglass and Kevlar of the past, utilizing high-grade carbon fiber composite for all panels. This advanced material usage keeps the vehicle's curb weight to approximately 1,100 kilograms, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio that rivals modern supercars. The suspension utilizes forged double wishbones at all corners, with the signature dual shock absorbers at the rear wheels providing superior damping control over high-frequency irregularities.

Cockpit: Group B Minimalism

The interior of the EVO37 is designed to immerse the driver in a classic racing atmosphere without sacrificing contemporary tactile quality. The dashboard is an elongated horizontal structure of matte carbon fiber, populated with red-on-black analogue dials that monitor boost, oil pressure, and revs. While the cabin remains focused and raw, it integrates modern essentials like air conditioning and a low-mounted screen with Bluetooth and smartphone support. The seating position is precise, featuring carbon-shell seats based on those from the rally cars of the era, trimmed in Alcantara for maximum lateral support.

Exclusivity and the Successors

The standard EVO37 production was strictly limited to 37 units, which sold out rapidly despite a high starting price. This success led to highly specialized variants, including the Martini 7, a limited series celebrating Lancia’s seven world titles with 550 horsepower and shorter gear ratios. Additionally, the San Remo edition consists of six units, each commemorating a specific rally victory, with prices reaching significantly higher figures than the standard model.

The legacy continues with the EVO38, unveiled recently as the final evolution. This successor introduces a four-wheel-drive system and over 600 horsepower, realizing the final missing piece of the 037's evolution into the all-wheel-drive era. Through this progression, Kimera has moved beyond simple recreation to create a new lineage of high-performance machines that honor the past while defining a new standard for modern engineering.