www.QV500.com - Lancia Delta HF Integrale Part 2: Integrale 16v |
![]() Delta HF Integrale 16v |
With the Delta HF Turbo 4WD and subsequent Integrale having cleaned up on the world and european rally stages, Lancia were keen to retain their number one status. There was though the small matter of Japan's growing contingent of representatives in the WRC who were beginning to look increasingly competitive. Of particular concern was Toyota with their Celica GT4, but Mitsubishi and Mazda were also improving fast. Unlike racing, where runs of 500 evolutionary derivatives were permitted in Group A, the rally regulations stipulated 5000 cars had to be produced for homologation each time - a major undertaking. |
Lancia had already built one batch of homologation specials with the first series Integrale and in May 1989 announced the second, a revised 16-valve model. A variety of upgrades were made but most important was the new four valve cylinder head. This was joined by a more responsive Garrett T3 turbo with larger injectors and better intercooling plus a new overboost system for increased torque. As a result, output rose from 185 to 200bhp, peak power now being developed 500rpm higher (at 5500). For the first time, more drive was sent to the rear wheels than front, the torque split being altered from 47/53 front/rear to 56/44. An updated dual circuit braking system improved directional stability, the wider 7x15-inch wheels (up from 6x15) enhancing grip. To accomodate the new wheels and tyres, Lancia also had to widen all four arches and make some minor changes to the suspension geometry. Fitting the 16-valve engine meant the bonnet now came with a prominent bulging section making it instantly identifiable. Otherwise, the only cosmetic changes were new badges front and rear. Buyers could further equip their cars with the optional four channel second generation ABS, a full leather interior, electric sunroof and air conditioning. Weight inevitably rose slightly compared to the 8-valve model, an extra 25kg bringing the total up to 1292kg. However, the various mechanical improvements resulted in substantially quicker acceleration figures, 0-62mph dropping from 6.4 to an incredible 5.7 seconds whilst top speed rose from 133 to 137mph. Unfortunately though, Lancia didn't offer the 16-valve engine in a catalysed form meaning cars destined for both German and Swiss markets had to be fitted with special 181bhp 8-valve units. |
![]() Delta HF Integrale 16v Gr.A, 1989 San Remo Rally trim |
| Homologation for the 16-valve Integrale had been approved in time for it to make its debut on the San Remo Rally in October 1989. Round 11 on a 13 event calendar, this would be Lancia's final appearance of the year having already wrapped up both Manufacturers and Drivers titles. The Martini-backed 16-valve cars wore a striking one-time-only paint-scheme for Italy's round of the WRC, a red base and new Martini graphics ensuring Miki Biasion's home win was even more memorable. The 16-valve's dream start materialised into a strong performance in 1990. Reverting to their traditional white livery, the works Martini squad won precisely half of that years rallies against stiff opposition from Toyota and their five-time winning Celica GT4. That year Lancia won the Manufacturers Championship by a mere six points but for the first time since 1986, the Drivers title fell to a non-Delta driver, Carlos Sainz. Lancia's Didier Auriol and Juha Kankkunen had to settle for second and third respectively. 1991 then got off to a poor start with Toyota's win tally outnumbering Lancia's by 3:1 after the first five events. |
![]() Delta HF Integrale 16v Gr.A, 1990 Tour de Corse |
Against the odds, Lancia recovered to take six WRC wins from 14 that year, securing the Manufacturers title for the Delta's fifth successive time at the season finale in Great Britain. Moreover, Kankkunen re-gained the Drivers title from second-place Sainz. Despite the increased speed and reliability shown by the competition, Lancia were confident of repeating their championship winning form in 1992. Up their sleeve was one last big development of the Integrale: the Evolution. Production figures for the 16-valve Integrale totalled 12,860 units in addition to a further 2700 that were built using the catalysed 8-valve engine. |
![]() Delta HF Integrale 16v Gr.A, 1990 Monte Carlo Rally |




