The Real-Life Car Behind the Octane: An In-Depth Investigation

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate Rocket League gamer and content creator, one question I get asked constantly from viewers is: "What real car inspired the Octane design?" After lots of digging, I‘m 99% sure the answer is: the legendary 1980s Lancia Delta Integrale rally car.

Lancia Delta Integrale

Now I know what you‘re thinking: "But they don‘t look that similar!" And you‘re right, at first glance the boxy, sci-fi Octane doesn‘t seem to match the curvy, vintage wedge-shape of the Delta Integrale.

But take a closer look at the proportions and key design details, and you‘ll start to see how the championship-dominating Italian rally icon clearly inspired the most popular car in Rocket League history.

Unpacking the Delta Integrale: Rally Royalty

First, let‘s talk about why the mad scientists at Psyonix would choose the Lancia Delta Integrale as the foundation for the Octane in the first place.

Well, in the late 80s and early 90s, this high-strung hot hatch was an unbeatable legend in the World Rally scene, racking up six straight manufacturer‘s titles from 1987-1992. Equipped with advanced tech for its time like:

  • Turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder making up to 215 HP
  • Permanent 4WD drivetrain + electronic differentials for incredible traction
  • Beefy box fender flares housing massive tires

…the Integrale was dominant thanks to its rapid acceleration and ability to put power down on loose surfaces.

Plus, to most car enthusiasts, this homologation special‘s bulging widebody and oversized rear wing are iconic.

So for developers looking for a real-life car that represented speed, agility and performance to shape their lead Rocket League car after, the Lancia Delta Integrale seems like an obvious choice!

Octane or Integrale: Separated at Birth?

Alright, you might be convinced on why the Integrale makes conceptual sense as inspiration. But do these two actually look related?

Let‘s compare some key design elements side-by-side:

Fenders

  • Octane – Pronounced bulging arches over wheels
  • Integrale – Similar curvy wide fenders flaring over tires

Silhouette

  • Octane – Distinctive wedge shape, high rear
  • Integrale – Iconic slab-sided wedge, tapering roofline

Proportions

  • Octane – Short, tall, overall boxiness
  • Integrale – Same compact dimensions + boxy cues

While not identical copies, the more you analyze them, the more similarities jump out – especially the trademark box flares and overall chiseled wedge silhouette.

But the clincher for me is that when you look head-on, the Octane‘s fascia shape and quad circular light layout mirrors the Integrale almost exactly!

Add in the vintage-inspired liveries combing retro brand logos like Martini Racing, and the Octane somehow feels Italian. Maybe I‘m crazy – but the more I drive it, the more Delta DNA I see in Psyonix‘s signature car!

Why It Works: Shared Rally Racing Spirit

The other piece tying the Octane and Integrale together is shared motorsports pedigree. Just as the Integrale was designed for rally use, tearing through remote mountain passes at impossible speeds, the Octane has a certain rally-inspired feel while boosting across Rocket League arenas.

Key elements like:

  • A stiff, rugged suspension to absorb big hits
  • A responsive steering feel to attack tight turns
  • A torque-rich engine note for rapid acceleration
  • A traction-focused AWD system to power out of drifts

All seem suited for a fast-paced, offroad environment – which perfectly matches the Octane‘s racy personality.

So while I can‘t say definitively that Psyonix developers referenced the Lancia Integrale as their key inspiration (I‘m still waiting on them to return my emails…) all signs point to this 80s rally icon as the Octane‘s spiritual ancestor.

And the more I drive my new Martini-liveried Octane, the more I feel that classic Lancia turbo boost kicking in with every demo!

So what do you think – am I onto something here about the Octane‘s origins? Let me know your thoughts! And if you have any other car inspiration theories, comment below!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts