The Ypsilon HF breaks tradition by being the first electric vehicle to wear the high-performance badge. Its electric motor generates 240PS, putting it on par with the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, both of which share the same platform. A 54kWh battery pack provides the juice, enabling a 0-100kmph sprint in 5.8 seconds, respectable for a small hatchback. To further enhance performance, the Ypsilon HF boasts a wider track and a lowered suspension for sharper handling.
This is just a preview, with the official European launch set for May 2025. Lancia promises the HF treatment will extend to future models, including the revival of icons like the Gamma and Delta later this decade. The return of HF harks back to Lancia’s racing heritage. The iconic HF logo, featuring a small elephant, first appeared in 1966 on the Fulvia Coupe HF. It went on to adorn legendary rally cars like the Stratos HF and Delta HF Integrale Evolution. Interestingly, some believe the logo itself was chosen as a lucky charm by the founder’s son back in 1953.
Staying true to its racing roots, Lancia is accompanying the Ypsilon HF with a rally-prepped sibling – the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF. This motorsport variant ditches the electric motor for a more traditional approach – a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 212PS. Developed to comply with FIA’s Group Rally4 regulations, it retains the front-wheel-drive layout and utilises a five-speed gearbox with a mechanical limited-slip differential. Following rally car regulations, it maintains a close resemblance to its street-legal counterpart.
The arrival of the Ypsilon HF and its rally-focused sibling marks a new chapter for Lancia. With a commitment to electrification and a return to motorsport, the brand is poised for a comeback, aiming to recapture its former glory days.