Lancia ECV Series: Futuristic Rally Car That Never Raced

Unrealized Potential - The world of motorsport has always been a testing ground for pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. Rally racing, in particular, has given birth to some of the most advanced engineering solutions, with manufacturers constantly seeking ways to gain an edge over the competition. One such groundbreaking effort came from Lancia in the mid-1980s, when the Italian marque was at the pinnacle of rally racing. At a time when Group B cars were dominating the World Rally Championship, 

The Lancia ECV2, an evolution of the original ECV, stands as a remarkable symbol of the ambitious Group S rally era, showcasing cutting-edge technology that never had the chance to compete. (Picture From: PeriodisMOdelMotor)

Lancia was already looking ahead, preparing for the next evolution in rally racing—Group S. This ambitious project led to the development of the Lancia ECV (Experimental Composite Vehicle), which was followed by the even more advanced Lancia ECV2. The story began in 1986, engineers at Abarth, Lancia’s racing division, embarked on designing a car that would surpass the Lancia Delta S4, one of the most powerful rally cars of its time. Their goal was twofold: to maximize engine performance and to create a lightweight, rigid chassis using composite materials. 

The Lancia ECV marked the start of Lancia's quest to develop a car that could outperform the Delta S4, one of the most formidable rally machines of its era, which incorporated Kevlar and carbon fiber in its construction. (Picture From: StellantisHeritage)

This led to the birth of the ECV, which incorporated Kevlar and carbon fiber in its construction. It was a radical departure from traditional rally cars, as these materials significantly reduced weight while increasing durability and structural integrity. The prototype also introduced the revolutionary Triflux engine, designed by Abarth’s technical director, Claudio Lombardi. This twin-turbocharged power unit was capable of delivering an astonishing 600 horsepower, a significant increase over the Delta S4’s engine.

The Lancia ECV, powered by Claudio Lombardi’s revolutionary Triflux twin-turbo engine, produced an impressive 600 HP—far surpassing the Delta S4. (Picture From: StellantisHeritage)

The ECV was built with the intention of competing under the new Group S regulations, which were set to replace Group B. Group S cars allowed manufacturers more design freedom while prioritizing safety. However, following several tragic accidents in the 1986 season, the governing body of motorsport decided to discontinue Group B altogether and abandon the transition to Group S. Instead, they introduced the more production-oriented Group A and Group N categories. 

The Lancia ECV2 took the technological advancements of its predecessor and refined them even further, designed by Carlo Gaino and introduced in 1988. (Picture From: Veloce.it)

This decision abruptly halted the ECV’s chances of ever competing in a rally, yet Lancia did not let their innovative work go to waste. Rather than scrapping the project entirely, Lancia chose to further develop the ECV concept. The result was the ECV2, introduced in 1988. Designed by Carlo Gaino, the ECV2 took the technological advancements of its predecessor and refined them even further. Aerodynamics played a crucial role in its redesign, leading to a sleeker and more futuristic appearance. 

The Lancia ECV2 features striking differences from its predecessor, including a redesigned rear wing positioned at mid-height and a reworked front end with large air intakes for enhanced cooling. (Picture From: Veloce.it)

The most noticeable changes included a revised rear wing, now positioned at mid-height rather than extending from the roof, and a completely reworked front end with large air intakes to improve cooling. The use of composite materials remained a priority, allowing for further weight reduction while maintaining strength.

The Lancia ECV2 prioritized the use of composite materials, further reducing weight while enhancing structural strength and overall performance. (Picture From: Veloce.it)

In addition to its engineering marvels, the ECV2 featured a distinct Bianco Perla (pearl white) color scheme with Martini Racing stripes, a livery that would later be used on a special edition of the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione. Inside, the cockpit was stripped down to essentials, featuring a massive pressure gauge at the center of the dashboard to monitor turbo boost pressure. It was a no-nonsense design, focused purely on performance.

Though the ECV2 never had the chance to prove itself in competition, its legacy endures as a testament to Lancia’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Today, it stands as a centerpiece in the Heritage HUB in Turin, displayed alongside the legendary Lancia Delta S4. The car serves as a reminder of an era when rallying was at its most extreme, and manufacturers were willing to explore the outer limits of automotive technology. The ECV2 may never have raced, but its influence lives on, embodying the spirit of ingenuity that continues to drive automotive engineering forward. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STELLANTISHERITAGE | PEDAL2THEMETAL | PERIODISMODELMOTOR | VELOCE.IT ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.