In automotive history, few vehicles hold rally racing pedigree matching the revolutionary Lancia Delta Integrale. Beginning life as a typically humble family hatchback, this Italian icon rapidly evolved into a fire-breathing asphalt assassin through homologation specials bristling with boosted power and advanced differentials specifically for humbling rival rally stages worldwide. By the time mass production ended in 1994, Integrale models claimed 6 manufacturer championships, and 46 individual rally wins, and etched their unmistakable box-flared image into rallying folklore. 
Today, the Delta Integrale’s extreme capabilities in translating Group B supercar performance into an everyday hatchback remain legendary. As integrating the ultimate technologies from Lancia’s top-flight rally program refined through continual development, the roadgoing Integrale variants effectively distilled racing essence into an attainable package adored by enthusiasts. This article looks back at the racing pedigreed Delta that still holds massive appeal among rally fans decades later as one of the most important hot hatches in history.
Humble Family Car Reborn Into Rally Weapon
Debuting in 1979, the front-wheel drive Lancia Delta operated as an ordinary small family vehicle offered in multiple body styles through the 1980s. However, in 1987, the newly merged Fiat Group approved transforming the practical Delta into a homologation special street car mandated for the Group A rally competition.
Under the direction of ex-Ferrari F1 engineer Carlo Chiti, the box-flared Integrale built atop the production Delta chassis received significant enhancements. Beyond aggressive new aero, a turbocharged 2-liter 16-valve four packing over 200 horsepower mounted mid-ship channeled thrust through an advanced multi-differential all-wheel drive system also developed by Chiti. This new formula proved astonishingly effective in scolding gravel stages and tarmac tests alike after launch.
Within a year, the fledgling Integrale claimed the 1987 World Rally Championship driver’s title before securing the constructors’ championship in 1988 – an incredible achievement out the gates besting established efforts from Ford, Toyota, and Audi. In response, Lancia continued iterating the Integrale formula introducing the 1989 Evolution 1 and later Evo 2 models packing even more power. Through continual refinements, later Itegrale 16V Evoluzione variants ultimately produced up to 215 hp from the diminutive inline-4 thanks to advanced turbocharger and engine management technologies.
Blistering Pace Backed By Championships
Make no mistake, the Lancia Delta Integrale platform amounted to no gimmick. Throughout highs and lows chasing rally championships worldwide, this Italian icon backed up the promising pace by racking up driver titles for Miki Biasion (1988, 1989) and Juha Kankkunen (1991) alongside consecutive manufacturers trophies each WRC season between 1987 through 1992 – a series first. At its apex, the street-derived Integrale defeated purpose-built 4WD rally prototypes from Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Subaru relying on sheer suspension sophistication and turbocharged power.
By blending a nimble front-wheel drive chassis layout with tenacious all-wheel drive traction, the diminutive Lancia vanquished more powerful opponents even on loose surfaces. Once passing rival cars, the Integrale’s acceleration advantage often proved insurmountable over long stages. When conditions stayed consistent, rivals struggled to match the Lancia’s pace. Overall, various Integrale models amassed over 40 individual WRC victories and dozens more regional rally trophies before retirement in 1994 after Fiat canceled further development.
Homologation Special: Rally Dominance Distilled
As the championship-winning pedigree gained relevance among sporting drivers, Lancia was obligated to produce roadgoing versions of the rally-bred Delta Integrale detailed enough for public sale. This batch build requirement for motorsport homologation ensured racing technology effectively trickled down each evolution variant.
Early road cars like the 1989 Integrale 16V adopted mid-range 200 horsepower output detuned from full rally trim, but still outpaced rivals through intense turbocharged delivery and confident all-wheel traction. Later Evoluzione editions sent more boosted power rearwards through driver-controllable center differentials helping tame the explosively broad powerband. Outside, widened front and rear tracks brought added stability. Despite loosening emissions regulations diluting outputs during the early 1990s, roadgoing Integrales continued leading the hot hatch category until retirement still outpacing most sports cars.
Lancia Delta Integrale Lasting Legacy
Over a seven-year model run, approximately 40,000 Delta Integrale models reached enthusiastic owners craving a roadworthy reflection of Lancia’s rallygreatness. Thanks to strong Lancia values in domestic Italy where models remained preserved rather than abused, solid survivor cars still trade hands frequently today among collectors. Within enthusiast circles, the Integrale persistently stands among the greatest homologation specials ever created.
Beyond merely their racing relevance, Integrales also represent an analog snapshot towards the tail end Group B era just before extreme sports sedans vanished from mass consciousness. Yet three decades later, Lancia’s legendary hot hatch remains burned into rally connoisseur hearts as one of the most beloved icons created during the sport’s exhilarating peak. Capable of equally punishing back roads or just shuttling kids home, the brilliant Lancia Delta Integrale beautifully balanced everyday talents with racing pedigree for the ages.
