Autoblog

Chrysler shows off new Lancia-based Delta and Ypsilon models

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Chrysler, UK, Lancia, Fiat

The spawn of the Chrysler-Fiat merger has made its way to the English market, in the form of the 2012 Chrysler Delta and 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon. If they look familiar, that's because these cars are cribbed directly from the Lancia range.

The Ypsilon is available with Fiat's 0.9-liter TwinAir, which earned International Engine of the Year honors. If that's too small, there's a 1.2-liter four-pot and 1.3-liter turbodiesel available, as well. The Delta gets two different 1.4-liter options, including a 140-hp, 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder. On top of the 1.4s, there are also 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines available.

Both cars have just gone on sale in the UK, and Chrysler hopes these reworked Italians will improve the brand's meager share across Europe.

Continue reading Chrysler shows off new Lancia-based Delta and Ypsilon models

Chrysler shows off new Lancia-based Delta and Ypsilon models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler reportedly cancels plans to bring rebadged Lancia Ypsilon, Delta to North America

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler, Luxury, Lancia

2012 Lancia Ypsilon - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Lancia launched the new Ypsilon at the Geneva Motor Show early last month, it joined its sister-companies' Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo MiTo in the Italian auto group's premium hatchback line-up. But while the model is being sold as a Chrysler in the British Isles, plans to bring it over to North America have reportedly been canceled. Apparently the planned launch of the Chrysler Ypsilon in the States was feared to edge in on the recently launched American-market Fiat 500 too closely and potentially cannibalize sales for the retro hatch.

The report goes on to indicate that similar plans to market the larger Lancia Delta in North America have likewise been shelved. The Delta was brought to 2010 Detroit Auto Show wearing Chrysler's winged badge, sparking discussions over whether the lackluster Golf-sized hatchback could make a dent in the North American market, but the case for the badge-engineering exercise was apparently a non-starter.

The inverse, however, remains to be seen, as Chrysler models like the 200 sedan and convertible, the 300 sedan and the Town & Country minivan are being marketed in Europe as Lancias.

Gallery: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon

Gallery: Chrysler Delta

[Source: Car and Driver via Italiaspeed]

Chrysler reportedly cancels plans to bring rebadged Lancia Ypsilon, Delta to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Online Find of the Day: BaT bags a pair of Lancia Delta Integrale specials

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Auctions, Europe, Hatchback, Lancia

Lancia Delta Integrale special editions - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's rare enough to find one Lancia Delta Integrale for sale in North America. It's rarer still to find an example of one of the special edition cars Lancia made over the last two years of the Delta Integrale's life cycle. This week, though, Bring a Trailer is featuring two such cars from one Canadian seller.

The first car is one of 400 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Martini 5 Special Editions, built to commemorate Lancia's fifth World Rally Championship. The Martini 5 also marked the first run of special edition Integrales. According to the seller, this one has been upgraded with Martini 6 decals, 17-inch Speedline wheels and a catalytic converter-less Group B exhaust system.

Inside, there's an aftermarket OMP steering wheel, Alcantara trim and a pair of delicious Recaro buckets. The seller says he still has the original wheels if the 17s are a bit much. Though the car is apparently street legal in Canada, it will need a catalytic converter if it's going to pass a smog test in Vancouver. Those of us in the States will have to make do with a show and display exception, or wait until the car is 25 years old before it can be registered.

The second car is one of 250 1994 Lancia Delta Integrale Edizione Finale cars made specifically for the Japanese market. Like all Edizione Finales, this example wears Rosso Amarento paint, and carries a laundry list of the Delta's most desirable options. That means a set of anthracite gray 16-inch Speedline wheels, push-button start, carbon fiber trim, aluminum pedals, a passenger footrest and the same Recaro furniture that graces the Martini Delta. On top of all that, the Edizione Finale received a bump to 250 horsepower, thanks to revised engine management.

Both cars are available exclusively through BaT, though we doubt they'll be sticking around too long given their rarity and desirability. Unfortunately for us, they're priced accordingly. The 1992 Martini 5 car is listed at a heady $80,000, while the 1994 Edizione Finale is "just" $65,000. Head over to Bring A Trailer for more.

Gallery: 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Martini 5

Gallery: 1994 Lancia Delta Integrale Edizione Finale

[Source: BringATrailer]

Online Find of the Day: BaT bags a pair of Lancia Delta Integrale specials originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeeper Champagne combines off-roading with life's finer things

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Europe, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeeper Jeep 60th Anniversary - Click above for high-res image gallery

To help commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jeep, vineyard Jeeper has teamed up with Delta 4x4, a company well-known in Europe for aftermarket wheels, tires and other offroad accessories, to produce a limited-edition champagne.

The history of Jeeper, a high-end vineyard in the middle of the champagne region, gives it some pretty cool credo with the offroad crowd. Turns out vintner Armand Goutorbe came home from WWII to his old job with some fairly serious inuries. Handicapped by his wounds, he couldn't navigate the rough terrain of the vineyard on his own, so he bought a U.S. Army Jeep to help him get around.

As time went on, the Jeep became so much a part of him that his friends nicknamed him "Jeeper," and he eventually re-named the vineyard in honor of his trusted vehicle.

The commemorative drink is officially dubbed "Delta Jeeper Grande Reserve Brut Jeep 60-year anniversary." Talk about a mouthful. Speaking of mouthfuls, Jeeper says the champagne is marked by "the long-lasting scent of flowers with a honeyed fruit bouquet that gently lingers on the close." Uh, ok. We're sure it's delicious.

Save your pennies if you want some; a half case (six bottles) will run you just shy of $360. You can read more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Jeeper Champagne

[Source: Jeeper]

Continue reading Jeeper Champagne combines off-roading with life's finer things

Jeeper Champagne combines off-roading with life's finer things originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia brings rebadged Chrysler models to join facelifted Delta in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Chrysler, Luxury, Lancia

2012 Lancia Thema (née Chrysler 300) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once upon a time, it used to be that an automaker would debut one, maybe two new products at a car show. Then Lotus came along and blew 'em all out of the water with five new concept cars. Now Lancia is preparing to roll across the Alps and into Geneva with - how many? - six new debuts. Is the quasi-premium Italian automaker following the path set out by Lotus? Well, not quite.

In addition to the new Ypsilon - a genuinely new vehicle debut - Lancia is also lifting the veil on a subtly refreshed version of the Delta. But that's not the end of it - they've also got the new Thema, Flavia, Flavia Cabrio and Grand Voyager. In case that last bit (or the title) didn't tip you off, these four are little more than Chrysler models we already know (and in some cases love), albeit with Lancia grilles and badges.

The Flavia and Flavia Cabrio are Lancia-ized versions of the Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible, and are officially dubbed as "concepts" - a little backwards from how the usual path concept cars take to production, but globalization occasionally does strange things. The Thema is the Lancia version of the Chrysler 300 sedan. And the Grand Voyager, well...we hope we don't have to fill in the blanks on that bit.

Read more about Lancia's Geneva-bound range in the press releases posted after the jump, and visualize how your Chrysler would look with a Lancia badge in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Lancia Delta, Thema, Flavia, Flavia Cabrio and Grand Voyager

[Source: Lancia]

Continue reading Lancia brings rebadged Chrysler models to join facelifted Delta in Geneva

Lancia brings rebadged Chrysler models to join facelifted Delta in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia hits the matte with Hard Black edition Delta. We ponder a Chrysler version.

Noah Joseph — Fri, 14 May 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Lancia

Lancia Delta Hard Black - Click above for high-res image gallery

Think of past models like the Integrale and the world-conquering Stratos and you'd be hard-pressed to imagine a Lancia going the subtle route, but the Italian automaker is releasing a subtle special edition of its Delta hatchback called the Hard Black. Decked out in matte black paint, the special Delta doesn't lack for chrome, but the 18" wheels can be had in optional black paint as well, while inside black leather and Alcantara coat the cabin.

Mated to either a 200-horsepower, 1.8-liter direct-injection turbo four or a 190hp 1.8-liter turbo diesel, the Hard Black edition comes packed with adaptive suspension, dual-zone climate control and the Blue&Me connectivity system developed with Microsoft. Having been announced in Geneva, the Delta Hard Black is now going on sale in Europe for 31,300 euros (~$40k), leaving us to wonder what a Chrysler might look like with the anti-shine treatment. Not bad, we'll take it.

Gallery: Lancia Delta Hard Black

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Lancia hits the matte with Hard Black edition Delta. We ponder a Chrysler version. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How much is that stretched Lancia Delta HF Integrale in the window? $136k, that's how much

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Lancia

1991 Lancia Delta HF Integrale stretched limousine - Click above for image gallery

With the popularity of the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evo, it'd be easy to dismiss the likes of the Lancia Delta HF Integrale as a relic of the past. But make no mistake about it: The roadgoing version of this Italian rally machine is as exotic and desirable as any supercar to come from the same country. All the more reason, then, to be appalled at this unfortunate conversion job.

It appears that some garage in Italy has taken an Integrale (possibly two, according to reports), chopped it up and stretched it into a limousine. If you're thinking that an all-wheel drive hot hatch is the worst possible candidate for limo-ification, we're with you. Whether the conversion job retains the all-wheel drive system remains a big question mark, however, with power coming from either the Integrale's eight-valve 2.0-liter turbo four or the Evo's 16-valve version.

Oh, and the best part? It's for sale, courtesy of Italian classifieds site Autoscout24, for the princely sum of €99,000 (or about $136,000 by current exchange rates). Have a look in the gallery below, just don't expect to see one of these popping up at the local Chrysler dealership with a Pentastar on the nose.

Gallery: 1991 Lancia Delta HF Integrale stretched limousine

[Source: Autoscout24 via CarScoop]

How much is that stretched Lancia Delta HF Integrale in the window? $136k, that's how much originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Chrysler Lancia might be a look into the future

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Luxury, Lancia

Chrysler Lancia - Click above for high-res image gallery

You are looking at... well, no one at the Chrysler booth seemed to know exactly what this is. They didn't even have a proper name for it. But that tiny little fact will not be stopping us. You are looking at what they call a Chrysler Lancia, or more correctly, a Chrysler-badged Lanica. Specifically, a Lancia Delta with Pentastar badges. All of which begs the question: what makes a Lancia Delta?

Ah, well, we are happy you asked. On the surface it's a small crossover/tall wagon-type people mover/MPV with some fancy electronic driving aids. But that sells the Delta short, as Lancia's website is loaded with the sort of florid PR language that will warm the cockles of the most jaded car-hack's heart.

Here's a sample, "Luxury that is never flaunted: an originality that avoids useless overstatements, that always preserves elegance." Sounds keen, huh? But wait, there's more, "A concentrate of evolution, a hyperbolic expression of technology." Ooh! Good stuff. Is this car for real? Will there actually be a Chrysler-badged Lancia? Probably, but we just don't know. However, we are certain that Chrysler could really use, "A concentrate of evolution."

Gallery: Chrysler Delta

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Detroit 2010: Chrysler Lancia might be a look into the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz Update: Volt moves from Malibu to Cruze mules

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Chevrolet, GM

Things are moving along quite nicely with the development of the Chevy Volt. According to Bob Lutz, test mules of the extended-range electric vehicle are now being built atop the soon-to-be-released Chevy Cruze. This is a logical progression since the production Volt will share its Delta underpinnings with the new compact from General Motors when it finally goes on sale in 2010. Prior to these latest mules, the test cars used last-gen Malibu shells that Lutz and the team affectionately referred to as "MaliVolts." Predictably, Mr. Lutz praises the new Delta platform, and we have every reason to believe that it will be leaps and bounds better than its Cobalt forebear, just as that model is light-years ahead of the Cavalier it replaced. Lutz goes on to say that the battery pack, motor and internal combustion engine are all working very well together, even in the freezing cold temperatures around Detroit these days. It all sounds rather promising, though it'd be even better if that first paragraph on the FastLane Blog weren't necessary, right?

[Source: GM FastLane]

Lutz Update: Volt moves from Malibu to Cruze mules originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cruze news: Cobalt replacement to get turbo'd 1.4-liter and 40 mpg

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

Rising fuel prices, both in the U.S. and abroad, means that automakers can now offer similar engines in vehicles sold throughout the world. According to Automotive News, General Motors' next small car, the Chevrolet Cruze, will be offered with a new 1.4-liter force-fed four-banger, putting out between 120 and 140 horsepower and returning fuel mileage in the 40 mpg range.

The first version of the Cruze will be a sedan, but other body styles, including hatchbacks and wagons, are likely to come to market soon thereafter. The Cobalt-replacing Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio, and sales will begin next Spring in Europe after the production version of the car is shown in Paris this October.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cobalt - spy shots

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Cruze news: Cobalt replacement to get turbo'd 1.4-liter and 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Cruze to be built in Lordstown

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet

click above for high-res gallery of next-gen Chevy Cobalt spy shots

Workers at GM's Lordstown, OH plant just got another shot of good news from the General: the next-gen compact car from Chevrolet will be built there. The Chevy Cruze will replace the Cobalt, which recently had a third shift added to its production, and will make its initial debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. Europeans will get the first shot at the new car with sales beginning in April of 2009. The U.S. won't get the car until the following year, as the Lordstown plant begins phasing out the Cobalt and ramping up production of the Cruze in June of 2010. Both cars will be built simultaneously for a short time, according to UAW Local 1714 President Dave Green, who represents the workers at the Lordstown assembly plant.

A look at recent spy shots has our interest piqued over the new small sedan. Styling looks to be worlds better than the just decent Cobalt and the promised forty miles per gallon sounds like just what the doctor ordered in the face of ever-increasing gas prices. Thanks for the tip, Tony!

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cobalt - spy shots

[Source: WKBN News]

Chevy Cruze to be built in Lordstown originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Lancia Delta HF Integrale

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Fiat, Rendered Speculation

Back when Japanese automakers like Mitsubishi and Subaru were still making awkward little econo-boxes, the Lancia Delta Integrale was the king of the hill on the rally circuit, kicking up dirt and taking championships in resplendent Martini livery. So when the Italian automaker revealed the new Delta, nostalgic rally fans began twitching with excitement.

Although Lancia has yet to reveal any plans to make a high-performance version of the new Delta, one such rally fan has drawn up his impression of what form such a gravel-chomping beast could look like. For our part, we're hoping Lancia will take note and give us a new Integrale, complete with jumbo-turbo power and all-wheel-drive... however unlikely that may seem while sister company Abarth runs the IRC circuit with their pumped-up Super2000 Puntos. Until that day comes, European customers will have to make do with the current front-drive 200hp 1.8-liter turbo to satisfy their longing for the good old days.

[Source: autoblog.it via CarScoop]

Rendered Speculation: Lancia Delta HF Integrale originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI-killa: Saab 9-1 headed for London Motor Show

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Saab, Misc. Auto Shows

Could premium small cars be the next hot segment? Things appear to be heating up with the MINI being joined by the Volvo C30 and word of another Swede stepping into the fray. Saab will unveil its Delta platform-based 9-1 at the 2008 London Motor Show and it will be available for purchase in late 2009. Nondefinitive descriptors provided by Saab assure us that the 9-1 will be dramatically styled with an iconic shape. There had been some attention paid to a high-roof small CUV idea, but Saab asserts the 9-1 will be sporty in that Saab way, though it will have the functionality younger buyers are looking for.

Rather than pile on to the CUV segment, Saab could cash in some retro love and still make a very Saaby and useful car that doesn't put on truck airs. The Saab 99 of the 1970s could provide some inspiration for the 9-1, resulting in a car that doesn't occupy a lot of space, but can swallow a refrigerator. Look to the 9-3X and 9X for hints about what the car might actually look like.

[Source: Autocar]

MINI-killa: Saab 9-1 headed for London Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UAW contract dispute may delay introduction of new Chevy Malibu

John Neff — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:12:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

UPDATE: We've learned that the UAW contract disputes aren't likely to affect the introduction of the 2008 Malibu, since it will be built on the Epsilon I platform, which is still on track. The negotiations, however, may affect the debut of the next-generation Malibu and Aura, both of which will move to the Epsilon II platform.
Eps

The turnaround at General Motors is in full swing thanks to a bevy of new models on the horizon. One of those promising products is the new Chevy Malibu, which we're looking forward to reviewing as soon as possible. It turns out we may have to wait longer than expected to get behind the wheel of the new Epsilon 2-based Malibu. Apparently contract negotiations with the local UAW at GM's Lordstown, Ohio and Fairfax, Kansas plants have hit a snag. The Lordstown plant builds many of GM's Delta-based models, including the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5, and is earmarked to build the next generation of Delta-based models, as well. The Fairfax plant, meanwhile, builds the current Malibu and Pontiac G6, but is being renovated to handle the new Malibu and Saturn Aura.

GM had asked for some big concessions from the local unions at both plants that included 10-hour shifts with no overtime and the ability to hire some non-union workers to do janitorial work, unload trucks and even do assembly in some cases. The local unions were very close to closing the deal with GM until the national UAW stepped in and stopped the talks.

The unions are reportedly seeking a guarantee that the next generation Delta and Epsilon 2 models will be built at these plants, which has come under question since GM has halted development of new assembly-line tooling for these vehicles. GM, on the other hand, claims to have halted the development of new tooling in response to these talks breaking down. Clearly there's some tit-for-tat going on here, and both sides hope things can be ironed out after UAW international reps meet with GM next week in Detroit.

[Source: Automotive News]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu

UAW contract dispute may delay introduction of new Chevy Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat reveals release dates for a dozen Alfas, Fiats and Lancias

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback

Typically we get production announcements from manufacturers one model at a time, if not one brand at a time, but the Fiat Group has released their full production schedule for the Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Fiat brands for the next few years.

We'll get right into the good stuff with the most exciting of the three (and the only one destined for a re-emergence in the North American market): Alfa Romeo. The long awaited 149 has been pushed back again to mid-2009, before which the 147 it replaces will get the Fiat Group's new 1.4-liter turbo next summer. While waiting for the 149, the Alfa Junior, a sports hatch slotting below it, will hit the roads in mid-2008. A special version of the Alfa Romeo GT called the "Veloce" will arrive next January, and a sportier Ti version of the gorgeous 159 will hit showrooms next February/March.

The Fiat Bravo, shots of which have been floating around the net, will arrive long before the Alfa 149 with which it shares its platform, arriving late next summer. Fiat's revival of the 500 is due for January '08. A new model called the Linea is due next fall, and the Grande Punto will get the 1.4-liter turbo early next summer.

Lastly, Lancia's new Delta, previewed by the HPE concept in Paris, is scheduled to hit the road early in 2008, a facelifted Musa in fall 2007, and a Sport version of the Ypsillon city-car next spring.

Unfortunately, Fiat didn't give us a production schedule for Ferrari and Maserati, so we'll have to wait for the news piece by piece.

[Source: Carscoop]

Fiat reveals release dates for a dozen Alfas, Fiats and Lancias originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Delta HPE concept and the future of Lancia

Noah Joseph — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 13:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Paris Motor Show, Crossover

Our Latin friends over at Autoblog Spanish report that the Lancia Delta HPE concept car was one of the biggest disappointments of this year's Paris show. From the initial photos we received, we were looking forward to an exciting revival of the Lancia and Delta names, but unfortunately it was one of those "good from far, but far from good" situations as the concept car disappointed in the flesh.

One of the many brands owned by the Fiat group, Lancia has become something of a quirky marque. Its styling direction is controversial at best, and its current marketing strategy is peculiar. Many of Fiat's other brands have been experiencing a rebirth of late. Alfa Romeo is re-emerging with desirable Italian beauties worthy of the badge. The Grande Punto has put Fiat sales back on the map. Ferrari continues to sell as many cars as they can make at whatever price they ask. Even Maserati is on its way back to the top. Lancia, it seems is the last brand in the group deserving of a complete shake-up, top to bottom. But if the Delta HPE show car is to serve as an indication of Lancia's future, it may be a while.

With such competition cars as the Delta Integrale and the Stratos, Lancia was once a dominant force in rally racing - currently one of the most popular forms of motorsport, especially in terms of bridging from the track to the street. Mitsubishi and Subaru have been cashing in big on their rally images. Audi earned its stripes with its then-revolutionary Quattro all-wheel-drive cars. Even Suzuki has begun staking their claim. Lancia, in our humble opinion, ought to re-strategize and go back to its rally-winning roots and show the Japanese pretenders who's the real boss of the dirt road.

Follow the jump for more images of the Delta HPE concept from the show floor and Lancia's full Paris press release.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Delta HPE concept and the future of Lancia

Paris Motor Show: Delta HPE concept and the future of Lancia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Oct 2006 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia Delta HPE concept premieres in Venice

Alex Nunez — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Hatchback

Lancia has orchestrated the return of the Delta name in the form of the new Lancia Delta HPE concept car, which is being unveiled at the Venice Film Festival. Inspiration for the car is said to be drawn from the Lancia Beta HPE, but this is a lot better looking than that car ever was.

The new Delta evolves Lancia's current styling trends into a look that is both modern and attractive (a combination that proved to be elusive in products like the Thesis sedan). While we do like the look overall, we would be remiss if we didn't point out that the side glass and taillights are extremely Murano-like. In fairness, that taillamp style is also found on the Thesis and the swanky little Ypsilon, so Lancia is being consistent.

While the automaker didn't release any interior photos, they do state that the car incorporates sliding and tilting second-row seating, Bose audio, dual-zone climate control, and Fiat's new Blue&Me system, which incorporates Bluetooth and a USB port to allow the driver to play his or her own digital music from a variety of mobile devices. The cabin itself should be a very pleasant place to be, as Lancia does interiors very well. They tend to err on the side of luxury, which benefits driver and passengers alike.

Lancia only states that the car is set up to accomodate a number of different gasoline and diesel engines, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. Sounds to us like this concept's destined for showrooms in the not-so-distant future. If that's the case, we hope Lancia takes this thing racing, too. We're particularly interested in seeing it in full rally garb -- Martini Racing livery to be precise. After all, it's a Lancia Delta. These's a little history there.

(Rear view, press release after the jump)

[Source: Lancia]

Continue reading Lancia Delta HPE concept premieres in Venice

Lancia Delta HPE concept premieres in Venice originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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