Kimera Automobili has resurrected the Lancia Delta formula with the K39, a retro-styled lightweight sports car powered by a Koenigsegg-sourced 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8. The engine produces 986 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque routed exclusively through a manual transmission to the rear wheels.
The K39 channels early 1980s Lancia aesthetics into a modern carbon-fiber chassis that keeps weight minimal. This marriage of vintage design language and contemporary powertrain technology positions the car as a boutique alternative to McLaren and Ferrari offerings, targeting collectors who value analog driving experiences paired with serious performance.
The manual gearbox choice stands out in an industry increasingly dominated by dual-clutch automatics and electric motors. It signals deliberate resistance to modern convenience trends and appeals directly to purists who equate gear changes with engagement.
Koenigsegg's engine expertise lends credibility. The Swedish hypercar manufacturer's engines are proven in the CCX, Agera, and Jesko platforms, so buyers know the V-8 delivers reliability alongside stratospheric output. The 986-horsepower figure positions the K39 competitively against entry-level hypercars while maintaining the lightweight, nimble character Lancia built its reputation on.
Production will remain exclusive. Kimera's limited output ensures exclusivity and maintains resale values. The K39 targets wealthy enthusiasts willing to pay seven figures for a car that prioritizes driving purity over technology gimmicks. In an era where electrification dominates luxury automotive conversations, the K39 represents a calculated throwback bet on mechanical simplicity and internal-combustion heritage.
The car arrives as automakers race toward EVs and autonomous systems. Kimera's approach reads as