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Lancia Zagato Hyena | Weird Predator
Words Carlo Brema / Photos Girardo & Co
If you take a moment to look at the ranking of the cars you can either love or hate, the Hyena is very likely at the top of the list. While we’re used to Zagato’s design being unmistakable and unique, so much so that it always provokes strong reactions, this controversial model, even more than 30 years later, still manages to leave people speechless. This singular Lancia has a charm that grows stronger with time. It embodies the boldness of a stylistic flair that has never set boundaries, always forging its own path with soft curves, extreme proportions and daring combinations that merge seemingly opposite design languages into a single model.
Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the more you look at the Hyena, the more you realize it’s a piece unfairly overlooked by history books and too often dismissed as simply a “weird” car. And yet, it is precisely that unique design that allows it to stand out in the dullness of the automotive world. Only 25 units were built (despite an original plan for 75), with the goal of creating a small, compact two-seater coupe that could offer discerning customers a true thoroughbred sports car—one that didn’t shy away from taking the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 1’s dynamic skills and raising the bar. The aim was to shape a road legal coupe with a strong racing pedigree, evident especially in its significant weight reduction. Extensive use of carbon fiber, the removal of the doors and especially the rear seats (with the exception of the model in the photo, editor’s note) made it even more desirable. The contrast between the clean lines and the racing spirit—highlighted by a completely reworked dashboard—was a prelude to something more.
The Hyena was ahead of its time, introducing all-wheel drive to a high-end segment and balancing performance with drivability to perfection. No longer just a sporty hatchback, but a refined sports car with a distinctive aesthetic taste that oozes Zagato character from every angle—especially at the rear, with its sloping shape and complete lack of a trunk, true to the brand’s tradition. Performance differences from the Delta are due to the weight reduction, as Zagato did not modify the engine, but instead shaved off about 200 kg, bringing the total weight to around 1,150 kilograms. On the road, the Hyena feels stiffer but also more agile and the connection it establishes with its driver is quickly rewarded with an immersive and purely racing approach. This is further emphasized by the soundtrack—reminiscent of Group A rally cars. The cockpit is flooded with sound and the heart starts to race.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 210 horsepower, but if you’ve ever driven a Delta Integrale—or even just been lucky enough to ride in one—you know that figure doesn’t do justice to the brutal way the car tears through corners. With its all-wheel drive system making full use of the power reserves and 304 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, the Hyena delivers a truly exhilarating experience. While the occupants are hugged by the sports seats, the abundance of carbon fiber within their view is a constant reminder that this car was built for a very performance-focused clientele, perfectly aligned with the philosophy that has always defined Zagato.
If you’re still wondering why it was named “Hyena,” the explanation comes from Andrea Zagato himself. Along with his father Elio and Dutch entrepreneur Paul Koot, he was one of the minds behind the creation of this model, which, in profile, resembled the fierce predator—especially its unique physical structure, where the front and rear limbs are equally developed. This trait ensures agility and strength—just like the car. Incidentally, Mr. Koot’s company, Lusso Service Holland, also offered a performance upgrade that added 40 extra horses to the Hyena’s engine, but trust me when I say: it wasn’t necessary.
Although plans for broader production were abandoned, what remains of the Zagato Hyena is a timeless object—an early expression of the desire to equip a high-end sports car with all-wheel drive (Bugatti’s EB110 would only arrive five years later), delivering an even more thrilling driving experience. Looking at it today, one realizes how Zagato once again dared to think outside the box—doing so in a grand way, combining elegant design (which, while polarizing, is the epitome of aerodynamic purity) with a cabin stripped of everything except for the ultra-comfortable seats and immersed entirely in carbon fiber. Behind the wheel, a flood of emotions arises—often conflicting ones. But the one constant that fills every kilometer driven is the overwhelming sense of being incredibly lucky to drive something this special.
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