The Kimera EVO37 delivers an unmatched driving experience, blending classic design with cutting-edge performance for a true exotic car feel.
The Kimera EVO37: A Modern Tribute to Rally Legends
In the world of high-end restomods, the Kimera EVO37 stands out as a bold reinterpretation of Lancia’s iconic Group 4 rally car, the 037. While many of these luxury recreations can feel distant and unattainable due to their six-figure price tags, the EVO37 presents a driving experience that justifies its $680,000 price and limited production numbers.
Unlike many restomods that rely on nostalgia, the EVO37 offers something more visceral and thrilling, combining a quirky, twin-charged engine with a refined, race-inspired chassis. It’s an exhilarating blend of Ferrari F40 aggression and Lotus Evora precision, with a retro-style interior that feels surprisingly finished and contemporary.
At first glance, the Kimera EVO37’s compact proportions and feather-light build immediately capture your attention. A mere 2,376 pounds of pure driving joy, the EVO37 is smaller even than an NB Miata, maintaining the original Lancia 037’s size. The mid-mounted engine delivers power to the rear wheels, an essential recipe for driving fun.
However, it’s under the hood where the EVO37 diverges from its predecessor. The original 037 featured a supercharged inline-four, while the EVO37 is powered by a 2.1-liter four-cylinder, which is both supercharged and turbocharged. Based on the engine from Lancia’s Delta S4 Group B car, this updated powerplant produces 505 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque—nearly double the output of the original rally car. Coupled with a six-speed Graziano gearbox (similar to the one found in Lamborghini Gallardos and Audi R8s), the EVO37’s powertrain delivers a driving experience that feels modern, yet still retains that old-school rawness.
The suspension and brakes are thoroughly reworked to handle the added performance. Using Öhlins shocks at all four corners and Brembo brakes, the car feels well-suited to high-speed cornering and spirited driving. The suspension’s original layout—featuring dual rear shocks—has been updated with modern materials and engineering, ensuring a ride that is both stiff and sophisticated.
Driving the EVO37 is an absolute thrill. Starting the car is a ritual: a series of key turns, switches, and button presses make the process feel like a proper event. Inside, the retro-inspired cabin features snug bucket seats, a minimalist three-spoke steering wheel, and red-backlit analog gauges—all giving off an authentic 1980s vibe but with modern touches like 3D-printed gear shift mounts. It’s a place where the driver is the focus, and everything feels perfectly tuned for engagement.
Once the engine fires up, drivers can choose between three power modes: 300, 400, or the full 505 horsepower. The lower settings tame the car’s ferocious power, but once the engine is in full swing, it’s an absolute animal. The twin-charged engine delivers power in an intriguing and unique way. Below 3,000 rpm, the supercharger fills in the low-end torque, but once the turbo takes over, a rush of thrust propels the car forward. The sensation is unlike anything else, and it’s a thrilling experience to master the switch-over between the two power sources.
The gearbox complements the engine’s raw performance. Short ratios keep the car in the sweet spot of its powerband, making the car feel agile and responsive. The heavy clutch and short, mechanical shifter provide tactile feedback that makes every gear change a satisfying event. The EVO37 is stripped of modern electronic aids and sound deadening, making for a raw, unfiltered driving experience that’s entirely focused on performance.
Unlike modern exotics like the Lamborghini Revuelto or Ferrari F80, which are packed with tech and driver aids, the Kimera EVO37 prioritizes pure driving pleasure. No quiet modes, no automatic transmissions—just a mechanical marvel designed to deliver excitement at every turn. For enthusiasts who crave unadulterated engagement, the EVO37 is the ultimate expression of an exotic car, unburdened by unnecessary complexity.
In a market saturated with tech-heavy hypercars, the Kimera EVO37 stands out as a return to basics—an exotic car that delivers joy not through sophistication or luxury, but through sheer, unfiltered excitement. For the right buyer, that’s worth far more than any spec sheet.