Lancia Delta HF 4WD & HF 8v

Delta HF 4WD & HF 8v
The Delta 4WD was launched in May 1986, conceived originally as a road car, it is aesthetically similar to other Delta models but with some variations to underline its sporting nature. It was later modified for rally use when the Group B cars were outlawed by the FISA (the international motorsport governing body) following the death of Henri Toivenen.

The 2 litre turbocharged and intercooled engine which originated in the Thema Turbo produced 165bhp and 29kgm torque. It had a number of modifications to ensure maximum performance, such as sodium filled valves, special valve guides and extra oil cooling. The permanent four-wheel drive is fed by a transverse engine through an epicyclical centre differential with Ferguson coupling to a free front diff. unit and rearwards to a Torsen torque proportioning rear diff.. Torque split in the centre diff. is 56% - 44% front to rear. Braking is by assisted discs all round with 257mm. vented units on the front.

The 5298 units built between 1986 and 1987 (5000 were required within 12 months by the FISA to homologate the car into GPA rallying) all sport twin headlamps, fog lamps in the front spoiler, silver alloy wheels with eight small holes, sideskirt, and the red HF 4WD badge on the red framed grill.

Delta Integrale HF 8v
Winning the World Championship in 1987 - its first year of Competition - had revealed the massive potential of the Delta 4WD, consequently a series of performance enhancing refinements were authorised. This enabled the Lancia Martini Rally Team to take full advantage of these modifications and continue their epic journey towards a record-breaking six consecutive world titles.

Thus in 1987 the Delta HF Integrale was born. Although still recognisable as a Delta, it now flaunts its sporting pedigree with squared wheel arch flares and a new bonnet with extra air vents at the front. The wrap around front bumper protrudes further than before and houses air intakes for the extra cooling required by the new version of the eight valve engine. Other outward changes include improved headlamps and bigger wheels (up from 6J*14 to 6J*15), which although the same pattern as the HF 4WD, are now shiny on the outside rim and painted grey in the dish and carry 195/55 * 15 tyres.

Now producing 185bhp, the reworked 1995cc engine uses a bigger Garrett T3 turbo and bigger intercooler. A new overboost valve allows 1 bar of pressure and helps boost torque to 31kgm. A number of other changes in the engine bay are related to the extra cooling required, which necessitates a bigger water and oil cooler to be fitted. A new clutch is the same as that fitted in the Ferrari engined Thema 8.32 and a lower final drive ratio is utilised. New suspension gives a sportier feel to the handling, and bigger brakes (now up to 284mm on the front) with new callipers and better friction material are more in keeping with the extra performance now achieved.