by Kimera EVO38 Gets Iconic Martini Livery and a More Powerful Engine
Some cars can wear Martini stripes, but others simply demand them, even though such an option wasn’t available before. The Kimera EVO38 has always looked like it escaped from a 1980s rally fan’s dream, so the arrival of the EVO38 Collezione Martini feels like we’re getting the Kimera we always wanted.
Kimera unveiled the new collection in Sardinia during the Rally Storico Costa Smeralda, reviving its partnership with Martini after the previous one-off EVO37 Martini 7. But unlike that single special car, this is not just one vehicle. It is a small series featuring several liveries and trim options inspired by Martini’s racing heritage.
Related: Kimera’s Rally Special Hides a Feature That Would Make Any Car Enthusiast Stop in Their Tracks
Livery Options and Availability
Kimera states that early themes include Pearl White, Vermouth Red, and Dry Green, with other variations to be introduced over time. This means buyers can choose their favorite flavor of rally nostalgia, provided they act quickly enough to secure one of the cars. According to the company, only a few examples remain available.
Technical Specifications and Power
Under the stripes and the new vented hood, as well as behind the eight headlights at the front and the center-lock wheels, lies the same basic EVO38 formula as before. This means all-wheel drive, a wide and angular body, a carbon fiber construction, and a style heavily inspired by the legendary Lancia 037 — the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the WRC in 1983.
Power Increased to 631 hp
The Collezione Martini also gains more muscle. Kimera claims the 2.1-liter twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine now produces 631 hp (640 PS), which is 39 hp more than the standard EVO38 (592 hp or 600 PS). This is quite an absurd amount of power for something with only four cylinders and no hybrid assistance. Torque has increased by nearly 22% to approximately 516 lb-ft (700 Nm), and the rev limiter has been raised to 8,200 rpm.
To help generate this new power, there is now a Flex Fuel system that allows the engine to run on E85 bioethanol for maximum output. The engine also gets an additional intercooler injection system that uses high-pressure cold water jets to control intake air temperatures during hard driving.
Weight and Handling
The weight remains around 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs), and Kimera hints that these cars could be even lighter. This should make the power, delivered through a six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel-drive system, appealingly aggressive when you’re on mountain passes trying to emulate Markku Alén.
Hypercar Plans
And if a 631-horsepower pseudo-Lancia that looks like it’s still competing in the Group B era seems too restrained, Kimera has also confirmed production of its K-39 hypercar, which, unlike the Lancia Beta Montecarlo-based EVO38, is an entirely new design. The company previously showed the K39 as a concept in 2024, explaining it was inspired by the Montecarlo Turbo silhouette racer that collected major trophies from 1979 to 1981, but says we will get more details on May 15th.
Thus, Kimera is not only updating its existing model lineup but also expanding its horizons, offering both nostalgic options for collectors and a brand-new hypercar, demonstrating the company’s ambitions to establish itself in the elite segment of automotive manufacturing. The combination of classic rally spirit with modern technologies, such as Flex Fuel, makes this series particularly interesting for enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience.
