Introduction – A Legend Reborn for the Modern Era
Monterey Car Week is no stranger to jaw-dropping automotive debuts, but this year, among the flood of hypercars and classic treasures, one machine managed to stop enthusiasts in their tracks. Enter the Kimera EVO38 — a handcrafted, rally-inspired exotic that’s equal parts homage and innovation. This isn’t just a car for collectors; it’s a declaration that motorsport DNA still belongs on the road.
Born as the evolution of the already-celebrated EVO37, the EVO38 brings all-wheel drive into the equation without losing the raw, analog thrill that made its predecessor special. Its styling draws heavily from the legendary Lancia 037 rally car, but every line and every vent has been sharpened, sculpted, and reimagined for the 21st century. Monterey was the perfect stage — an audience that appreciates both nostalgia and cutting-edge engineering got to see a machine that effortlessly blends the two.
Number 2 of the planned 38 examples rolled into California finished in a rich, metallic blue that shimmered under the coastal sun. It looked like a piece of rolling art, but the closer you got, the more it revealed its motorsport soul — aggressive aero, rally-bred stance, and small touches that could only come from obsessive Italian craftsmanship. It’s the kind of car that doesn’t just show up; it dominates the room, whether it’s parked next to million-dollar Ferraris or roaring down a mountain pass.
Kimera has managed to do something rare — bridge the gap between purist heritage and modern performance tech. And as we peel back the layers of this rally-bred exotic, you’ll see why the EVO38 isn’t just another pretty face in the crowd. It’s a purpose-built weapon… with a transparent spine.
The Story Behind Kimera Automobili
In the boutique supercar world, there’s a fine line between creating a tribute and creating a gimmick. Kimera Automobili doesn’t just walk that line — they dance on it. Founded by Luca Betti, a former rally driver with an obsession for Italian motorsport history, Kimera’s mission was simple: bring the legendary Group B rally spirit into the modern age without diluting its essence.
Their first shot was the EVO37, a meticulous reinterpretation of the Lancia 037, the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the World Rally Championship. Instead of merely restoring old chassis, Kimera built their cars from the ground up, combining carbon fiber, modern electronics, and re-engineered versions of the original engines. The EVO37 wasn’t just a restomod; it was a love letter to rally history, signed in gasoline and tire smoke.
The EVO38 is the next chapter — and it’s a bold one. By adding all-wheel drive, Kimera took the spirit of the 037 and imagined what it would have become if Lancia had continued developing the platform for modern rally stages. The result isn’t a diluted classic; it’s a re-engineered, twin-charged beast that feels as raw as its inspiration yet as capable as any modern exotic.
Kimera operates like a coachbuilder of old — small production numbers, obsessive attention to detail, and an insistence on doing things the right way, even if it’s harder. Every part, from the billet aluminum gear lever to the bespoke exhaust, is touched by artisans who see these cars as moving sculptures. And in an era of mass-produced supercars, that makes Kimera stand out like a rally car in a valet line full of Lamborghinis.
EVO38’s Stunning Exterior – Art Meets Aerodynamics
You don’t need to be a rally historian to recognize the EVO38’s roots. From a distance, its proportions instantly evoke the Lancia 037 — the long nose, short rear deck, and that unmistakable wedge stance. But look closer, and you’ll see how Kimera’s design team has infused it with modern aggression.
Up front, the EVO38 wears sharp LED headlights that still nod to the circular lamps of the original, flanking a classic Lancia-style grille that’s been reinterpreted in high-quality materials. The hood features subtle vents, hinting at the beast beneath without shouting. Wide fenders, stretched taut over lightweight alloy wheels, give it a muscular presence that says this car was built to attack corners, not just pose for photos.
The profile is pure rally romance — taut lines, a low roofline, and functional aero sculpted into every surface. The rear is dominated by a massive lip spoiler that’s both a visual statement and a downforce generator. Beneath it, an intricately designed rear diffuser integrates two main exhaust outlets, while the third, central turbo-back pipe lurks in the rear grille like a hidden ace.
What makes the EVO38’s exterior so intoxicating is its balance between homage and evolution. It doesn’t feel like a replica or a nostalgia play — it feels like what the Lancia 037 would have looked like if it had been continuously developed into 2025. Every surface has been honed for both speed and beauty, and the end result is a car that turns heads not just because it’s rare, but because it’s right.
The Heart of the Beast – Twin-Charged 2.2L Engine
Under that sculpted hood lies an engineering setup that will make any gearhead grin — a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that’s both supercharged and turbocharged. This twin-charging setup means instant throttle response from the supercharger at low revs, and a surge of boost from the turbocharger at higher RPMs. The result? A seamless, relentless wave of power that peaks at an astonishing 600 horsepower.
But the magic isn’t just in raw output. This engine is paired with a 48-volt electronic system that supports various vehicle functions and ensures lightning-fast responses from the AWD system and adjustable driving modes. It’s a blend of old-school mechanical ferocity and modern control precision.
Fire it up, and the EVO38 doesn’t whisper — it growls. The supercharger whine mixes with the turbo’s whistle, creating a symphony that builds into a raspy, high-rev scream. Power delivery is savage yet controllable, thanks to the finely tuned AWD system and torque-split controls that let the driver dial in how much grunt goes to the front or rear wheels.
This isn’t an engine built to be civilized. It’s built to make you feel everything. Every gear change is punctuated by a surge of torque; every corner exit feels like a rally stage finish line. The EVO38 might look like art, but this is art that punches you in the chest and leaves a tire mark on your soul.
All-Wheel Drive Evolution
The jump from the EVO37’s rear-wheel drive setup to the EVO38’s all-wheel drive system is more than just a performance tweak — it’s a fundamental shift in personality. With AWD, the EVO38 becomes a precision weapon in any condition, whether it’s tearing through a mountain road, attacking a wet rally stage, or simply giving you more confidence when pushing to the limit.
The system is rally-inspired, meaning it’s not a one-size-fits-all AWD that dulls the experience. Instead, it features a selectable torque splitter, allowing the driver to bias power between the front and rear axles depending on the scenario. Want the tail-happy fun of the EVO37? Dial more power to the rear. Need maximum grip for a tight hairpin in the rain? Balance it toward the front.
Kimera has managed to integrate this modern AWD system without sacrificing the analog feel that made the EVO37 so loved. The steering remains communicative, the chassis playful, and the balance intoxicating. It’s not an electronic nanny — it’s an enabler, giving you the confidence to explore the car’s full potential without ever feeling disconnected.
By pairing AWD with the twin-charged engine, Kimera has created a package that feels like the rally legends of the past, but with the grip and technology to shame many modern supercars. It’s a combination that makes the EVO38 not just faster, but smarter.
The Glass Spine – A Feature That Stops You in Your Tracks
In a world where most car interiors are dominated by digital screens and luxury trim, the Kimera EVO38 dares to put pure mechanical beauty on display. Running right through the center of the cabin is a transparent tunnel — a literal “glass spine” — that reveals the central driveshaft in all its glory.
This isn’t just a gimmick. The driveshaft itself is finished in a vivid blue with striking red accents, turning an otherwise hidden mechanical component into a centerpiece of the cabin. It’s like having a mechanical heartbeat on full display, reminding both driver and passenger that every ounce of this car is engineered for motion.
The effect in person is mesmerizing. Sit in the driver’s seat and the glass tunnel draws your eyes straight down the middle of the cabin, a visual reminder of the EVO38’s rally-bred all-wheel drive system. It’s the kind of detail that sparks conversations, the kind of feature that makes even seasoned gearheads stop mid-sentence to take a second look.
Beyond the wow factor, the glass spine represents Kimera’s philosophy: no part of this car is purely decorative — every feature has function, and every functional piece is celebrated. The exposed driveshaft is a proud nod to motorsport engineering, the kind of mechanical honesty that’s becoming rare in modern supercars.
A Driver’s Cockpit Worthy of a Rally Champion
Step inside the EVO38, and you’re immediately transported into a world where luxury and motorsport collide. This isn’t a cabin designed to isolate you from the road — it’s one that invites you to be a part of the driving experience.
Front and center is the gear lever, carved entirely from billet aluminum. It’s a piece of sculpture you can actually use, with a satisfying mechanical action that makes every shift feel deliberate. Beside it sits a hydraulic handbrake — not a parking brake, but a rally-style tool that can lock the rear wheels on demand for precision cornering.
The rest of the interior is a mix of Alcantara, carbon fiber, and milled aluminum, each material chosen for its tactile and performance qualities. The seats hold you firmly without crushing comfort, the steering wheel is trimmed for maximum grip, and the pedals are perfectly positioned for heel-and-toe downshifts.
This is also a cockpit of customization. With physical controls, you can adjust engine maps, suspension stiffness, traction control, and even ABS sensitivity on the fly. It’s a level of control that puts the driver in command, rather than letting computers make all the decisions. In short, the EVO38’s interior is a rally stage command center, wrapped in the luxury touches you’d expect from an Italian exotic.
Exhaust System – Soundtrack of the EVO38
The EVO38 doesn’t just move — it announces its arrival with authority. The exhaust system has been designed not only for performance but for theater. At the rear, two large tailpipes are integrated into the diffuser, handling most of the engine’s exhalations. But the real party trick is the third, central pipe hidden in the rear grille.
This pipe sits immediately behind the turbocharger and can be opened at the push of a button. When it’s active, the sound transforms from an aggressive growl into a raw, rally-car shriek. Every upshift delivers a crack, every downshift a bark, and at full throttle, it’s nothing short of intoxicating.
From a performance standpoint, the design minimizes backpressure and optimizes turbo response. From an emotional standpoint, it’s pure adrenaline. It’s the kind of exhaust note that makes you crack the windows in a tunnel just to hear it bounce off the walls.
Kimera knows sound is half the driving experience, and the EVO38’s exhaust delivers in spades. It’s a mechanical aria, perfectly in tune with the car’s aggressive styling and explosive power delivery.
Performance Figures & Handling
While Kimera hasn’t officially released every performance metric, the EVO38’s numbers are expected to be staggering. With 600 horsepower on tap and a lightweight chassis, acceleration to 60 mph is projected to be in the low 3-second range, with a top speed comfortably north of 180 mph.
But straight-line speed is only part of the story. The EVO38’s handling is tuned for both tarmac and gravel, taking cues from rally suspension setups. The steering is razor-sharp, the AWD system allows for precise power modulation, and the adjustable suspension means you can set the car up for a spirited canyon run or a track day without compromise.
Braking is equally impressive, with massive discs and multi-piston calipers providing fade-free stopping power. The pedal feel is firm and confidence-inspiring, letting you brake late and hard without unsettling the chassis.
The end result is a car that feels planted and agile, yet never sterile. It rewards skillful driving, encouraging you to push a little harder, brake a little later, and carry more speed through corners. The EVO38 doesn’t just perform — it makes you feel like a rally champion while doing it.
Limited Production – 38 Units Only
Exclusivity has always been part of the appeal of boutique exotics, and Kimera has embraced that fully with the EVO38. Just 38 examples will be produced, each one meticulously handcrafted to its owner’s specifications.
This scarcity isn’t just marketing — it ensures that each car is truly unique, with details tailored to the buyer’s taste. It also means that owning an EVO38 is as much about being part of a very small, passionate community as it is about driving the car itself.
Most of the planned units are already spoken for, with collectors and enthusiasts rushing to secure a build slot as soon as the EVO38 was announced. This rapid sell-out mirrors the EVO37’s success, proving that there’s a growing market for high-performance machines with deep motorsport roots.
For those lucky enough to get one, the EVO38 isn’t just a purchase — it’s an investment in automotive artistry, one that’s likely to appreciate in both financial and emotional value over time.
Price and Value Proposition
Kimera has not released an official price for the EVO38, but given the EVO37’s starting figure of around €480,000 (about $558,000), it’s safe to assume this AWD evolution commands a premium. And frankly, it earns it.
While some might balk at the idea of paying supercar money for a four-cylinder, the EVO38 isn’t about cylinder count — it’s about engineering purity, heritage, and craftsmanship. Every component is built or finished by hand. Every panel is shaped with intention. And unlike mass-produced exotics, there’s a sense of personality baked into each car, a reflection of the small team that creates them.
In the collector market, rarity is king, and with only 38 units available worldwide, the EVO38 sits firmly in blue-chip territory. It’s not just the mechanical package you’re buying — it’s the right to own something few will ever see, let alone drive. That level of exclusivity combined with its rally pedigree means the EVO38 is likely to hold, if not increase, its value over time.
For drivers, the value lies in its dual nature — a car that can be ferocious on a mountain pass yet comfortable enough for a scenic coastal drive. For collectors, it’s a rolling piece of Italian art, steeped in motorsport history. When you add those together, the EVO38’s price tag becomes less about cost and more about opportunity.
Kimera’s Place in Modern Exotic Car Culture
Kimera may be small, but it has carved out a niche that even the biggest exotic brands can’t easily touch. In the same way Singer has elevated the classic Porsche 911, and Automobili Amos reinvented the Delta Integrale, Kimera has brought the Lancia 037 into the modern age — not as a retro curiosity, but as a relevant, high-performance machine.
Their approach appeals to a new generation of enthusiasts who value analog driving feel, motorsport authenticity, and timeless design over sheer horsepower numbers. This is a space where “soul” matters as much as specs, and the EVO38 delivers both in spades.
The brand’s growing reputation also benefits from the exclusivity factor. Unlike many exotic makers who pump out hundreds of “limited editions,” Kimera keeps its numbers tight, ensuring every model remains special. This has created a cult-like following among gearheads who see owning a Kimera as a badge of true automotive appreciation.
If the EVO38 is any indication, Kimera is here to stay — and ready to challenge the giants of the exotic world on its own terms.
The Monterey Car Week Reception
If you want to know how special a car is, watch how people react when they see it for the first time. At Monterey Car Week, the EVO38 was a magnet. Photographers swarmed it, collectors whispered about build slots, and casual enthusiasts stood frozen, phones in hand, trying to capture every angle.
The deep metallic blue paint glistened under the California sun, highlighting the curves and sharp lines that define its profile. Inside, the glass driveshaft tunnel was the talking point of the day — more than one onlooker crouched low to peer straight through the cabin, marveling at its engineering drama.
For seasoned Monterey attendees, the EVO38 was a refreshing change of pace from the usual parade of hypercars and million-dollar classics. It wasn’t just a display piece; it was a story — a living connection between rally history and modern performance. That narrative made it one of the most talked-about cars of the event, a feat in a week where every other parking lot is a concours in itself.
The Future of Kimera Automobili
The EVO38 is only the second chapter in Kimera’s journey, but it has set the tone for what’s possible when a small automaker commits to doing things differently. Future projects could see Kimera reimagining other rally icons, or perhaps developing entirely new platforms that carry the same DNA of motorsport purity and artisanal craftsmanship.
The success of the EVO37 and EVO38 proves that there’s a hungry audience for cars that combine analog thrills with modern reliability and performance. If Kimera continues down this path, we could see the brand become a mainstay in the boutique supercar segment — the kind of name whispered in the same breath as Pagani or Koenigsegg, but with its own rally-bred identity.
With demand far outstripping supply, and a design language that blends nostalgia with innovation, the road ahead for Kimera looks not only bright but blisteringly fast.
Conclusion – The EVO38’s Place in Automotive History
The Kimera EVO38 isn’t just another exotic. It’s a rally-bred, twin-charged, all-wheel-drive masterpiece that pays homage to one of motorsport’s most iconic machines while carving its own path forward. From its glass spine and meticulously crafted interior to its thunderous exhaust and adaptable AWD system, every detail serves a purpose — to connect the driver to the road in the most visceral way possible.
In a time when many high-performance cars are drifting toward digital sterility, the EVO38 is a reminder that passion, craftsmanship, and engineering brilliance can still create something truly magical. It’s not a car for everyone — and that’s exactly the point.
FAQs
1. How much does the Kimera EVO38 cost?
While official pricing hasn’t been released, it’s expected to exceed the EVO37’s €480,000 starting price.
2. What makes its AWD system unique?
The EVO38 features a rally-inspired, selectable torque splitter, allowing drivers to adjust power distribution between axles.
3. How does the EVO38 compare to the original Lancia 037?
It keeps the 037’s spirit alive but adds modern tech, more power, and all-wheel drive for improved performance.
4. What’s special about the glass driveshaft tunnel?
It visually exposes the central driveshaft, finished in blue and red, turning a functional part into a design statement.
5. Will Kimera make more than 38 EVO38s?
No — production is strictly limited to 38 units worldwide.
