Top Gear named the Kimera EVO37 its 2025 Performance Car of the Year, with the jury’s decision reported as unanimous. The award recognized the car’s lightness and absorbing, involving character—not a claim that it was the fastest or most technologically advanced contender.
The EVO37 is an Italian restomod inspired by the Lancia 037 rally car. Top Gear’s award coverage presents it as the tactile, nostalgic outlier among a field that included several modern performance cars.
Why Top Gear chose the Kimera EVO37
Top Gear praised the EVO37’s energetic, physical driving experience. Its award feature describes a car without launch control or drift mode, with little downforce and no focus on straight-line speed or lap records. Those characteristics helped give it a distinctive identity, though they also come with practical compromises.
Top Gear’s verdict called the car “mesmerising to drive – physical, refreshing, nostalgic, and the reset we all crave.” That is the publication’s editorial assessment, rather than an instrumented finding that the EVO37 outperformed its rivals on track or road.
#1 Best Overall
- Accurately reproduced bodywork
- Complete interior detail
- Detailed suspension with rolling wheels-Vinyl tires with realistic tread
- 146 pieces
- Illustrated assembly instructions
How it compared with the other PCOTY contenders
Top Gear’s comparison included the Lamborghini Revuelto, Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey, Aston Martin Vanquish and BMW M2 CS. The clearest distinction in the award coverage is the Kimera’s analogue, nostalgic character against a group of contemporary performance cars; the sources do not establish a measured ranking for each comparison category.
| Car | Role in the comparison | What the award coverage establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Kimera EVO37 | The analogue, nostalgic outlier | Top Gear emphasized lightness and an involving, energetic drive. |
| Lamborghini Revuelto | Modern performance contender | Named as a fellow contender; no head-to-head measurement is given in the dossier. |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey | Modern performance contender | Named as a fellow contender; no head-to-head measurement is given in the dossier. |
| Aston Martin Vanquish | Modern performance contender | Named as a fellow contender; no head-to-head measurement is given in the dossier. |
| BMW M2 CS | Modern performance contender | Named as a fellow contender; no head-to-head measurement is given in the dossier. |
What the Kimera EVO37 is
The EVO37 is not a restoration of an original Lancia 037 road car. Top Gear’s review says it is based on the Lancia Beta Montecarlo steel monocoque, reinforced with new tubular structures at the front and rear. The review also describes forged double-wishbone suspension, dual Öhlins dampers at the rear, Brembo brakes and carbon-fibre composite body panels.
Rank #2
- Product Type :Model
- Package Dimensions :18.2 Cm L X23.4 Cm W X48.8 Cm H
- Country Of Origin :Japan
- Package Weight :4.91Lbs
Top Gear’s 2024 review quotes a twin-charged 2.1-litre four-cylinder producing 550bhp and a weight of 1,000kg. These are figures from that review; the dossier does not establish that every edition has identical specifications.
| Specification or detail | What Top Gear reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-charged 2.1-litre four-cylinder |
| Power | 550bhp |
| Weight | 1,000kg |
| Chassis basis | Lancia Beta Montecarlo steel monocoque with added tubular structures |
| Other described equipment | Forged double-wishbone suspension, rear dual Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and carbon-fibre composite body panels |
How it relates to the Lancia 037
The original Lancia 037 was a Group B rally car. Top Gear says it won the manufacturers’ title in 1983, the last time a rear-wheel-drive car won the World Rally Championship. The EVO37 draws on that history as a modern interpretation; it is not an original factory-built 037.
Rank #3
- Scale: 1:24
- Brand:
- Root > Home > Vehicles > Cars & Vans
- Ref:
Kimera describes the car as combining Eighties racing-car style with modern performance, comfort and usability. That is the manufacturer’s positioning. For the EVO37’s technical description and rally-history context, Top Gear’s review is the independent source used here.
What to know before considering one
The award-winning character comes with compromises. Top Gear’s review notes a loud, droning engine at steady speeds, high cost and limited luggage space. Its award feature also mentions limited air conditioning and the absence of modern driver aids. These are reported observations, not guarantees that every owner will experience the car identically.
Rank #4
- Limited edition. Brand new box. Detailed exterior. Real rubber tires. True-to-scale detail. Officially licensed product. Has opening engine compartment. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Dimensions approximately L-2.5 inches long. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Comes in a plastic display showcase and special packaging box.
Top Gear’s 25 December 2024 review reported that the original run of 37 cars had sold out, with an original charge of €450,000 (£370,000). It also reported €840,000 (£693,000) for a later celebratory liveried series. These are historical figures from that review, not verified current asking prices or availability; check with Kimera or a seller for current information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
What is the Kimera EVO37?
It is a Kimera Automobili restomod inspired by the Lancia 037. Top Gear says it is based on a Lancia Beta Montecarlo monocoque reinforced with tubular structures, rather than being a restoration of an original 037 road car.
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- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/24 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Finished Size: 6.5 x 3.0 inches (166 x 75 mm)
- Number of parts: 152
- Etched parts included
Why did Top Gear name it its 2025 Performance Car of the Year?
Top Gear’s award coverage points to the EVO37’s lightness and involving, energetic driving character. The award was not presented as a result of outright speed or lap-time supremacy.
How much power does the EVO37 have?
Top Gear’s 2024 review quotes 550bhp from its twin-charged 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine. The dossier does not confirm that all editions share identical specifications.
How many Kimera EVO37 cars were made?
Top Gear’s 2024 review says the original run of 37 cars sold out, followed by a limited celebratory liveried series. Contact Kimera or a seller to check current availability.
How much does a Kimera EVO37 cost?
Top Gear’s 25 December 2024 review reported an original charge of €450,000 (£370,000) and a later price of €840,000 (£693,000) for celebratory cars. These historical figures are not current price quotations; verify any present price directly with Kimera or a seller.
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