The Lancia Delta Integrale is not (just) a hot hatch — ISSIMI Spotlight feat Jason Cammisa — Ep. 05

To call the Lancia HF Delta Integrale a hot-hatch is unfair. At worst, it’s *the* hot-hatch. At best, it’s so far above and beyond most hot-hatches that it’s something entirely different. Thanks to sanctioning-body rule changes, Lancia was left without a rally car for the 1987 season. Starting with the seven-year-old Delta hatchback, it created the winningest WRC car of all time: the Delta won a total of 46 WRC events, winning an unprecedented six consecutive championships. Its success is due to many factors, but most of all perseverance and continual evolution, culminating in the Deltona: the ultimate Delta. This Evoluzione 1 model, seen here as a “Martini 5” special edition, was capable of drama-free back-road performance often compared to the Porsche 959. Widely regarded as the fastest twisty-road car of its time, it’s barely catchable today. The Evo is nicknamed “Deltona,” by the Italians, and means “Big Delta.” The Evoluzione combines the Delta’s gorgeous Giugiaro-penned looks with