In 1986 Lancia displayed the ECV1 (Experimental Composite Vehicle) at the Bologna Motorshow. It was a composite technology concept car testing the use of carbon kevlar, thermosetting and thermoplastic resins, glassfibre and honeycomb in-car production. It was also considered as Lancia’s prototype Group S rally car (a formula sadly never to exist due in part to Group B rally cars being banned).

Lancia had enjoyed success with the Group B Delta S4, and the new ECV1 shared some of its basic design. For example, the ECV1 used a rear engine layout, AWD, and the 1759cc twin turbo engine, which were all similar to the Group B Delta S4.

However, the ECV1 had a new experimental ‘triflux’ turbo system where the twin turbochargers were used sequentially depending on engine speed; and the ECV1 was considerably lighter (overall weight of 930kg!) due to its extensive carbon fibre construction (from the wheels to the roof).

We chose the ECV1 due to its rarity and its genuinely extreme technological breeding. The Lancia Delta S4 is well known for its rallying pedigree and would have been a worthy SEGA Rally contender, but why have a good quality, medium strength variety car when you can have the full flavour, max-strength, firebreathing beast of a motor. I particularly like it for its quirky appearance, almost van-like in fact, but make no mistake this unlock is insanely fast and quite tricky to tame.

Check out the official SEGA Rally
website now at www.segarally.com

Read
more SEGA Rally blogs - click here