Introducing the Grassi 044S: A Tribute to the Lancia Delta S4
Italian start-up Grassi Scuderia Milanese has unveiled its latest creation at the Monza motor show, the Grassi 044S. This hot hatch is a tribute to the iconic Lancia Delta S4, which was a Group B rally car that dominated the racing scene in the 1980s. The Grassi 044S is a powerful machine that can dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds, on par with the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Power and Performance
The Grassi 044S is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine mounted over the rear axle, capable of producing 640bhp. This power is sent to all four wheels through a sequential six-speed gearbox, which maximises traction. The car also features permanent four-wheel drive, with three differentials splitting both laterally and longitudinally. The front end wears 285mm-wide 19in tyres, while the rear end receives broader, 305mm-wide tyres to reduce oversteer. Braking is provided by six-pot vented discs at the front and four-pot units at the rear.
Aerodynamic Design
The Grassi 044S was designed by former Alfa Romeo designer Giuseppe Armano, who prioritised the car’s aerodynamic set-up to improve its stability and fuel efficiency at high speeds. The car weighs 1200kg (or 1100kg without fuel and fluids), making it a lightweight machine that can easily manoeuvre through corners.
Limited Production
Grassi has yet to confirm pricing or a delivery schedule for the 044S, but only 44 examples will be built. This limited production run is a nod to the Lancia 037 that preceded the Delta S4 in the Italian firm’s Group B rally campaign. The 037 became the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the World Rally Championship’s constructor’s title in 1983. Recently, the 037 was reinvented as the Kimera Evo37, a bespoke supercar loosely based on the Lancia Beta Montecarlo and limited to 37 units.
Inspiration from Group B Era
The Group B era has been a source of inspiration for many upstart boutique manufacturers in recent years. German firm E-Legend revealed the EL1, an 805bhp electric car inspired by the Audi Quattro S1. Tuning outfit Marc Philipp Gemballa revealed the Marsien, a Porsche 911-based off-roader inspired by the Porsche 959 supercar that was developed for Group B but arrived too late to compete in the ill-fated class. Industrial giant Renault has also tapped into its history in the WRC, with the Renault 5 concept and its hot-hatch sibling, the Alpine A290.
Conclusion
The Grassi 044S is a tribute to the Lancia Delta S4, a legendary rally car that dominated the racing scene in the 1980s. This hot hatch is a powerful machine that can dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds, making it a force to be reckoned with on the road. The car’s aerodynamic design and lightweight construction make it a nimble machine that can easily manoeuvre through corners. With only 44 examples to be built, this limited production run is sure to make the Grassi 044S a highly sought-after machine among car enthusiasts.