Lancia's own version of 8C Competizione to spearhead rejuvenation
click above for more high-res images of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Reports are emanating from Holland on Lancia's upcoming product-led rejuvenation, and for the niche Italian automaker, the future looks bright. At the Geneva Auto Show next month, Lancia is expected to unveil the production version of the new Delta, previewed by the Delta HPE show car (pictured above) from the 2006 Paris auto salon. Expected to begin production this summer, the Delta will be built on a stretched Fiat Bravo platform with unique bodywork and a more luxurious interior swathed in leather and Alcantara trim. Lancia executives are said to be considering hardtop-convertible and crossover variants, but that's only the start of Lancia's product-led rejuvenation.
A replacement for the miniscule Ypsilon hatchback is expected to be unveiled next year, while a replacement for the Musa minivan is anticipated to follow, unfortunately based on the outdated platform of the Fiat Idea MPV. The flagship Thesis sedan, which never seemed to have won the hearts of more conservative buyers, is tipped to be cancelled altogether. But fret not, for Lancia is said to have an even better trick up its sleeve for a new flagship of a different sort. If the reports from AutoVisie are to be believed, Lancia is working on an exotic sportscar of its own based closely on the knee-bucklingly sumptuous Alfa 8C Competizione and expected to revive the Aurelia nameplate. Lancia's sister company Alfa Romeo has already sold out its limited run of 500 coupes, and should have no problem finding lucky owners for the upcoming edition of 500 roadsters, either. That leaves the highly acclaimed chassis, developed by Ferrari and built by Maserati, up for grabs in the Fiat Group parts bin, and Lancia is reportedly the one doing the grabbing.
[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ligor 5:08PM (2/04/2008)
i still can't believe how beautiful this car is
amazing
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RLQ 5:20PM (2/04/2008)
Pitty they're not many of them around.
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Eduardo 9:27AM (2/05/2008)
I would love, I mean, L-O-V-E, to see Lancia (my favourite European brand) born again. All these plans look so good, but why not to build a RWD, V8 successor for the Thesis, once Fiat builds no big saloons and the Alfa 169 is bound to be more sporty? it would be the car of my dreams, specially if it keeps the wonderful upholstery and plastics of the Thesis...
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bmw122487 7:21PM (2/04/2008)
these pictures were taken at Meadow Brook Hall in Auburn Hills Mi. not far from where i live, why didn't Afla let people in the area know this beautiful car was in town, i would have loved to have seen it....
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DIRETTORE 7:42PM (2/04/2008)
* As much as I lov the Delta Int Evo, will there be an optional Quality Pack?
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wrwalters 10:20PM (2/04/2008)
I've already prepped myself menatlly and financially for buying a new Alfa 159 when they come back to the US; don't tease me with a Lancia as well.
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Smeagle 11:34PM (2/04/2008)
Such a good looking car. Ferrari California Spyder SWB is the only car I would rate better than this in terms of aesthetics but thats probably less reliable and way more expensive.
The problem with most Alfas is that you need to be able to employ a full-time mechanic but if you can afford it it's soooooo worth it.
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John 11:43PM (2/04/2008)
Sure does look better than the regular junk cars we see in the US.
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WowNasty 1:43AM (2/05/2008)
Fugly bubble lights.
This thing is terrible looking, whoever likes it clearly lacks taste, the front looks like a B9 Tribeca put in the wash on hot.
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Gungosa 1:48AM (2/05/2008)
the pics have nothing to do with the story. i'm so confused, but i love the competizione. it's my desktop background and helps me think pretty thoughts.
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