With their walkover success in the 1988 World Rally Championship, Lancia were very aware that the competition was going to be hot on their heels for the 1989 season and upgrades were required in order to stay ahead of the game.

Using the racing logic of the period, it was swiftly decided that more power was the solution and the 16v Integrale quickly took on the field, both literally and figuratively.

Launched at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the new Integrale’s upgrades and tweaks were alarmingly subtle for such a flamboyant marque.

Despite sticking with the 2-litre engine displacement, a raised bonnet centre was required to house the taller 16-valve variant and further visible external changes included wider wheels/tyres and new identity badges on the front and rear.

Invisible changes included altering the torque-split to 47/53 front/rear to improve the cars handling balance.

The fabulous 2-litre turbocharged Lancia engine was already a powerful, honed performer before it was deve...