Meet the Lancia Pu+Ra Montecarlo, a modern reinterpretation of the classic from the 70s that revives the brand’s glory in rally racing. Check it out!
Lancia has started a new chapter in its history, but its current lineup, focused on the compact Ypsilon, leaves fans waiting for something with more sporty soul. Answering this desire, designer Christopher Giroux, from Ford, dedicated his free time to create the Lancia Pu+Ra Montecarlo, a spectacular tribute celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic 70s coupe.
A Coupe Reborn with Modern Touches
Giroux’s project is not just an exercise in nostalgia; it is an intelligent fusion between past and future. The concept draws from the 2023 Lancia Pu+Ra HPE Concept but with a realism that makes it plausible for production. Classic references from the original Montecarlo, such as the iconic side buttresses, were recreated in transparent glass, a master stroke that combines lightness and aggressiveness. The front end, with its pronounced chin and sculpted fenders, gives an exotic stance, while the “T”-shaped LED lighting aligns the car with Lancia’s new design language. The creative process combined manual sketches with digital tools and AI, demonstrating how an electric car project can become a true work of art.
Tribute to the Rally Legacy
The history of the Montecarlo is intrinsically linked to motorsport, serving as the basis for the legendary Lancia Rally 037, the last rear-wheel-drive car to win a World Rally Championship. To honor this legacy, Giroux designed a competition version of the Pu+Ra Montecarlo with the unmistakable Alitalia livery, immortalized by the Stratos HF. This racing variant features gold wheels, a more aggressive body kit with new air intakes, a hood scoop, and a prominent rear diffuser. The passion for rally cars is something brands like Toyota understand well, as seen in the constant evolution and anticipation around the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.
Powertrain and Future: What to Expect?
The designer did not specify the powertrain, but the proportions and the absence of visible exhaust outlets on the street version suggest an electric drivetrain, which could place it among the fastest electric cars today. However, initial sketches and the vented rear of the rally version leave room for a hybrid arrangement with a mid-engine. While a new Lancia sports car is a distant dream, since the brand first needs to consolidate its sales with models like the recently launched 2025 Lancia Ypsilon Hybrid, projects like this remind us of the potential and charisma that made the Italian brand so captivating. It’s a reminder of what is possible when a legacy is revived, something we’ve seen in the recent rebirth of the iconic Ferrari Testarossa, which returned with over 1,000 horsepower.
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.