Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V Martini International Racing Team - Monte Carlo Rally - Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1990
Car scale model kit in 1/24 scale manufactured by Italeri (ref. 3658, also 8001283036580)

One of the facts that corroborates the success of the Lancia Delta in the World Rally Championship is that, following the change to Group A regulations, Lancia won the manufacturers' title for the first six years of the regulations. Thanks to its multiple evolutions, and almost always in the legendary Lancia Martini Racing colours of the official team, the Lancia Delta racked up 46 victories in the World Rally Championship, thanks to motorsport legends such as Juha Kankkunen, Miki Biasion, and Markku Alén.

The Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V was the third evolution of the competition version, introducing numerous improvements over the previous version, the 8V Integrale, and focusing mainly on increasing power. The FIA had set a power limit of 300 hp, which forced Abarth engineers to also seek an increase in mid-range torque. The new four-valve-per-cylinder engine increased total power from 280 hp to 295 hp, opting for a slightly smaller Garrett turbocharger to reduce lag and improve throttle response. Electronic fuel injection was also introduced. Engine compartment space was further reduced with the addition of an even larger intercooler, necessitating more air intakes. The most distinctive feature of the 16V was the appearance of a "hump" on the hood, necessary to make room for the new, more robust 16-valve cylinder head. Other mechanical improvements included larger-diameter brakes and a more reliable and efficient electronic management system.

Twelve victories in 24 World Championship rallies, plus two Constructors' titles and one Drivers' title, were undoubtedly the best rewards for a technical team that worked hard for several years on the development of the Lancia Delta.