Koenigsegg Powered Kimera K 39 Brings Lancia 037 Spirit Back With 1,000 HP
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Italian coachbuilder Kimera Automobili has revealed its wildest project yet. Called the Kimera K 39, this new hypercar takes inspiration from the legendary Lancia 037 and combines it with a twin turbo V8 developed by Koenigsegg.
The car made its public debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and it is far more than another retro styled restomod. Unlike the earlier EVO37 and EVO38 projects, the K 39 is a completely new hypercar built from the ground up.
Kimera K 39 Gets a 1,000 HP Koenigsegg V8
The biggest talking point is easily the engine. Kimera worked with Koenigsegg to develop a twin turbocharged V8 for the K 39. The engine produces:
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 1,000 hp |
| Torque | 885 lb ft |
| Peak Power RPM | 7,350 rpm |
| Peak Torque RPM | 5,500 rpm |
| Redline | 8,250 rpm |
Kimera says the turbo setup differs slightly from the versions used in Koenigsegg’s own hypercars, but the performance numbers still sound properly insane. A small car with 1,000 horsepower and short wheelbase proportions usually means one thing: good luck to the rear tires.
It Still Looks Like a Lancia 037
Even though the K 39 is a clean sheet design, the styling clearly pays tribute to the classic Lancia 037 rally car. The proportions remain familiar with:
- Short wheelbase layout
- Wide boxy fenders
- Aggressive rally inspired stance
- Compact cabin design
At the same time, Kimera modernised the body with deeper air intakes, larger ducts, and advanced aerodynamic detailing. The company wants the car to perform like a modern hypercar while still carrying the visual DNA of the 1980s rally icon.
Built As a Proper Global Hypercar
Kimera is not simply sourcing an engine and dropping it into a custom chassis. The company says it plans to homologate the K 39 as a fully certified production vehicle for multiple global markets.
That is a big step for a small manufacturer.
Koenigsegg is also supporting the project with cloud based diagnostics and software update systems. Owners will reportedly receive proper factory style support instead of dealing with the usual low volume exotic car headaches.
Pikes Peak Plans Confirmed
Kimera also confirmed that the K 39 will head to the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in race specification form.
The company describes the project as a way to defend and evolve internal combustion performance cars in a modern era increasingly dominated by EVs.
That said, Pikes Peak is not always friendly to combustion engines. High altitude conditions reduce oxygen levels and rob traditional engines of power, while electric race cars suffer far less from those conditions.
Still, the connection makes sense historically. Audi dominated Pikes Peak during the Group B era, while the original Lancia 037 never got the chance to compete there officially. Kimera now wants to close that chapter in its own way.
Only 10 Pikes Peak Cars Will Be Built
Kimera plans to build just 10 special Pikes Peak specification versions of the K 39 for selected customers.
These track focused cars will include:
- Larger rear wings
- Extra aerodynamic components
- More aggressive race inspired setup
Pricing has not been revealed yet. Still, a hand built hypercar with a Koenigsegg sourced V8 was never going to be affordable. Expect collector car money here.
Why the Kimera K 39 Matters
Modern hypercars usually chase lap records with hybrid systems and silent electric powertrains. The Kimera K 39 takes a different route. It mixes old school rally car emotion with modern engineering and hypercar level performance.
That alone makes it one of the most interesting new performance cars revealed this year.
Sources and References
Official Sources
- Kimera Automobili K39 Official Page
Official overview of the K39 hypercar including design philosophy, carbon monocoque details, and project background. - Kimera K39 Pikes Peak Program
Official page focused on the K39 race program, Pikes Peak plans, and customer race-spec versions. - Kimera K39 Aerodynamics Page
Official breakdown of the K39’s aerodynamic development and silhouette-inspired design. - Koenigsegg Official Website
Official website of Koenigsegg, the Swedish hypercar company supplying the K39’s twin turbo V8.
Trusted Unofficial Sources
- Top Gear K39 First Look
Detailed first look at the K39 with engine specs, weight targets, and development insights. - The Supercar Blog K39 Article
Covers gearbox options, engine setup, and expected production timeline. - duPont REGISTRY K39 Coverage
US-focused coverage with collector market insights and production information. - AutoNext K39 Breakdown
Good source for design inspiration, Pikes Peak focus, and heritage context. - Yahoo Autos K39 Report
US audience friendly article covering production plans, specs, and expected pricing.
FAQ
What is the Kimera K 39?
The Kimera K 39 is a ground up hypercar from Kimera Automobili that takes inspiration from the Lancia 037. It is not just a retro styled restomod.
What engine does the Kimera K 39 use?
Kimera uses a twin turbo V8 developed with Koenigsegg. The engine is also linked to cloud based diagnostics and software updates.
How much power does the K 39 make?
The K 39 makes 1,000 hp and 885 lb ft of torque. Kimera says peak power comes at 7,350 rpm, peak torque at 5,500 rpm, and redline is 8,250 rpm.
Why does the K 39 look like a Lancia 037?
Kimera wanted the K 39 to carry the spirit of the Lancia 037. It has a short wheelbase, wide boxy fenders, a compact cabin, and modern aero details.
Will Kimera make a Pikes Peak version?
Yes. Kimera plans to take the K 39 to Pikes Peak and will build 10 special Pikes Peak spec cars with bigger rear wings and extra aero parts.
Will the Kimera K 39 be sold in global markets?
Kimera says it wants the K 39 homologated as a certified production car for multiple global markets.
