Autoblog

Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Performance, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel, Lancia, Racing, Fiat

Of all the major international auto shows on the calendar each year, the Bologna Motor Show may not rank among the most important. But it is vital for the Fiat Group, whose numerous brands make up more than just one lion's share of the Italian auto industry. As such, it's not a show for Fiat to take lightly, and this year, it's coming with a whole mess of new debuts.

Discounting Maserati and Ferrari (who kind of do their own thing), the Fiat Group divisions are displaying a freshly facelifted version of the Fiat Sedici, a Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition, Lancia Ypsilon Black&Red edition and four new specials from Abarth.

Six years since its launch, the Sedici (Italian for Sixteen, the product of 4x4 - also known as the Suzuki SX4) has been been treated to a minor facelift. Available in three trim levels, buyers can choose between a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four or a 135-hp 2.0 MultiJet diesel in either front-wheel drive or selectable all-wheel drive.

The Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition will be offered in both hatchback and convertible versions, of which a suitable 500 examples of each will be offered. The American version of the hatchback is painted blue with Stars & Stripes graphics, while the cabrio comes in white with similar graphics and a red roof.

The Black&Red edition of the Lancia Ypsilon, meanwhile, is distinguished by four color choices - two reds, a black and a two-tone black and red scheme - with either 69-hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine or a 95-hp turbodiesel.

Finally, Abarth is coming to Bologna in full force with four special editions. The 595 Turismo and Competizione models pack a 160-hp version of the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four with two flavors of style. The 695 Assetto Corse takes 205 horsepower to the track, while the Punto Scorpione packs a 180-hp 1.4-liter four for a 7.5-second sprint to 62 mph, distinguished by matte-on-gloss black finish and a special snowboard in an edition limited to 99 examples.

An additional "by Abarth" package is also on offer for the Fiat 500 TwinAir that offers some of the visual excitement of an all-out Abarth performance model without modification to the 85-hp two-cylinder engine.

Like what you see? Check out all the images in the high-resolution galleries - one above, one below and two more after the jump - along with the plethora of press releases detailing each of these new debuts.

Continue reading Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show

Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Geneva 2011: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon is a tiny taste of things to come

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:27:00 EST

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

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

Take a good long look at the Lancia Ypsilon. If not because it's a vital new product for one of the oldest marques in autodom, then because it's also slated to wear a Chrysler badge one day soon.

That Lancia and Chrysler are getting closer than a couple of drunk teens after the prom is no longer a secret. They share a common CEO - both at the group and brand levels - and will act as each-other's agents in their respective markets (not unlike their counterparts at General Motors' Vauxhall, Opel and Holden units). Vehicles we know as Chrysler models will soon be sold in Europe under Lancia's umbrella. This car will be marketed as a Lancia in contental Europe, as a Chrysler in the UK, and possibly as a Chrysler in the States as well.

We ran through the full details of the new Ypsilon a couple of weeks ago when Lancia dropped the details, but if you want to see this upscale five-door Fiat 500 platform-mate looks outside the studio and on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show, click through our live gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon

Geneva 2011: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon is a tiny taste of things to come originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia launches all-new Ypsilon premium hatch ahead of Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST

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

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

Italy's assault on the Mini's territory has more prongs than a drawer full of forks and involves more brands and labels than a department store. On the one hand, there's the ever-popular Fiat 500. On the other is the Alfa Romeo MiTo. And now we have the latest: the new Lancia Ypsilon, which the Italian automaker has just revealed ahead of its scheduled debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Unlike the model it replaces - and the Cinquecento on which it's based - the Ypsilon is a five-door, though contained in a compact package and with hidden rear door handles. Pitched as a more premium offering than the 500, the larger Ypsilon places an emphasis on refinement, with such cabin touches as LED dashboard lighting, a special sound-absorbing headliner, a large sunroof and a host of electronic systems - from "magic parking" to Blue&Me and TomTom Live connectivity - available features you might expect to find in a flagship luxury sedan.

Lancia's also emphasizing the customization possibilities with the new Ypsilon, offering 17 exterior shades (including four two-tone combos), three interior trim levels (Silver, Gold and Platinum), six different upholstery options and three styles of alloys. There are also four engines on offer from launch: a 1.2-liter engine with 69 horsepower, the 900cc TwinAir with 85hp, a 95hp 1.3-liter MultiJet turbodiesel and a flex-fuel 1.2-liter LPG engine, with either manual or semi-automatic transmissions.

The Ypsilon will be sold across the European continent as a Lancia, but intriguingly, it will wear Chrysler badges and grillework when it crosses the English Channel to the British Isles. A suitable springboard to enter Chrysler's North American lineup as well? We'll have to wait and see, but Lancia's also got a range of rebadged Chryslers joining the Ypsilon in Geneva. Follow the jump for the press release, check out the first crop of images in the gallery below, and watch this space for more. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2012 Lancia Ypsilon

[Source: Lancia]

Continue reading Lancia launches all-new Ypsilon premium hatch ahead of Geneva debut

Lancia launches all-new Ypsilon premium hatch ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia confuses us with Diva Collection Ypsilon and Musa

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Design/Style, Lancia

Lancia Ypsilon and Musa "Diva Collection" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever get the feeling that Italian cars - short of top-flight supercars, anyway - are more about style than they are about substance? If you haven't, then have a look at the latest from Lancia. Called the Diva Collection, a series of special touches have been applied to both the Ypsilon and the Musa, two of the smallest cars in Lancia's range... or any other, for that matter.

So what's special about the Diva Collection models? Beats us. Fiat's quirky step-sister only released information in Italian, but even that doesn't get into much detail. Instead it speaks mostly of the advertising campaign in which they'll be featured, referencing something about "man brushes". (We don't really want to know.)

Both models can be had with an array of absurdly low-output engines (nothing even in triple digits), but feature commensurately low list prices, and there also seems to be some extra chrome, so they've got that going for them. That, plus their appearing on Italian television. Chrysler badges, anyone?

Gallery: Lancia Ypsilon and Musa "Diva Collection"

[Source: Lancia]

Continue reading Lancia confuses us with Diva Collection Ypsilon and Musa

Lancia confuses us with Diva Collection Ypsilon and Musa originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia Centro Stile sketches would make interesting Chryslers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Chrysler, Design/Style, Lancia

Lancia Centro Stile concept sketches - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lancia's website links to Centro Stile, the design section of the brand, where you can find all manner of concepts drawn by the same people who might be trading crayons with Chrysler's designers by the end of the year. There are a couple of oldies in the bunch, but then there's the sketch above, a concept coupe, and a new take on the Ypsilon supermini that's rumored to be under consideration as a Chrysler bound for the U.S.

The thing that gets us most about these sketches is how utterly far away they are from Chrysler's design language, stoking all kinds of questions about how the two brands will be combined. Sergio Marchionne has said that because Chrysler and Lancia don't overlap in terms of vehicle sizes, the two brands could be joined to create a full line-up. Based on these designs we're thinking there will be a Jekyll and Hyde line in there, because we just can't wrap our heads around the pictured coupe with goggle-eye headlights and a giant grille.

Have a look at the other sketches in the gallery of high-res photos below, and maybe you can tell us how a Lancia Ypsilon becomes a Chrysler Ypsilon and doesn't look like a bad episode of "Will it Blend?"

Gallery: Lancia Centro Stile concept sketches

[Source: Carscoop]

Lancia Centro Stile sketches would make interesting Chryslers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next-gen Lancia Ypsilon could come Stateside as a Chrysler

Noah Joseph — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler, Rumormill, Luxury, Lancia

Lancia Ypsilon Versus Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Too close for comfort or exactly what the Pentastar needs, that depends on your point of view. But Chrysler and Lancia - the two pseudo-premium brands under the Fiat-Chrysler partnership - are growing closer by the day.

After Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne took over in Auburn Hills, he placed the Chrysler division under the leadership of Lancia CEO Olivier Francois. More recently, Marchionne said the two brands could be merged within the year. Meanwhile on the product end of things, a report several months ago forecasted that the Lancia Delta - the freshest produce in the company's apple cart - could make it Stateside as a Chrysler, which was followed up by the unveiling of just that at the Detroit Auto Show. Now a new set of rumors suggest the Delta could enjoy some company from the Old Country on this side of the Atlantic.

The current Lancia Ypsilon (pictured above in special Versus edition trim) is the brand's smallest product. It dates back to 2003 and had a minor facelift in 2006, but is in dire need of replacement. A couple of years back, reports of a prospective follow-up positioned the next-gen Ypsilon alongside the Fiat 500 and Alfa MiTo in the Fiat group's three-pronged attack on the Mini brand. Whether that proves accurate or not in the long run, the newest reports indicate that the Ypsilon could, like the Delta, be re-badged as a Chrysler, potentially taking the Java name from the concept car Chrysler showcased at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition

[Source: BurlappCars.com]

Rumormill: Next-gen Lancia Ypsilon could come Stateside as a Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Fiat

Amidst the confirmation that chief executive Sergio Marchionne was splitting off the Dodge Ram truck unit into its own division of the Chrysler Group came the announcement of some executive re-shuffles in Auburn Hills. Among them, Lancia CEO Olivier Francois was appointed head of the Chrysler brand. But according to the latest reports, the sharing of a chief executive is only the tip of the North Atlantic iceberg for cooperation between the Chrysler and Lancia.

Long subsisting like it's the Plymouth of the Fiat Group, Lancia lacks a strong product portfolio. But while it isn't expected to join its sister brands in the transatlantic journey to the American market, the sharing and co-development of new products with Chrysler could get the quirky Fiat division back on track.

Among those products that stand to be shared between the two quasi-premium brands are the next-generation models of the Chrysler 300 (which could underpin a replacement for the discontinued Lancia Thesis), Chrysler Sebring, and Lancia Ypsilon hatchback.

Meanwhile, Francois, who joined Fiat in 2005 from his position as a regional manager for Citroën, is emerging as a rising star within both auto groups: his responsibilities now put him in charge of both Chrysler and Lancia, as well as marketing, advertising and branding for no less than nine brands: Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram. If it wasn't clear before, it's now plainly obvious who has replaced Luca de Meo as Marchionne's right hand man.

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

Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris '08 Preview: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Click for hi res gallery of the Versus edition Lancia Ypsilon

The other day I was sitting at a beachside bar where they had Fashion TV playing on flatscreens around the place and I couldn't help notice that while some of the stuff looked great, the rest looked horrible. Looks like the same trend has applied itself to automotive design, as Italian fashion house Versace has forged a new relationship with another automaker. But while the Versace edition Lamborghini Murcielago looks cooler than air conditioning in Alaska, somehow this new Lancia Ypsilon doesn't quite cut it.

That's probably more Lancia's fault than Versace's, but the overall package, thorough though it is, leaves much to be desired. Created with Versace's second brand Versus, the special edition Ypsilon is sprayed bronze, much like the customers likely to buy it. The Versus logo is applied all over the interior and exterior of the car, which features matching bronze chromework and rims. The Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition will be unveiled in concept form next week in Paris, and will be produced in a limited run of 500 examples starting in March next year. This isn't the first designer edition Ypsilon, following the previous Momo edition, but Lancia's going to need something better than a new paint job to extract itself from the bronze age. For our part, we'd sooner go for the Diesel edition Fiat 500. Press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition

[Source: Lancia]

Continue reading Paris '08 Preview: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition

Paris '08 Preview: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia to target MINI with all-new 2009 Ypsilon

Noah Joseph — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

We're a peace-lovin' bunch here at Autoblog, but truth be told, we love it when the British and the Italians fight. Conflict between these two automaking nations has produced such rivalries as Ferrari vs. McLaren, Aston Martin vs. Maserati and Alfa Romeo vs. Jaguar. Lately the duel has been downsized considerably, but got ever more ferocious when the Fiat Group decided that it wouldn't let the MINI have the retro-hatch niche all to itself anymore. And so we got the Fiat 500, followed by the recently-released Alfa Mi.To. But lest you think the Italians would sit back and watch their newest style-mobiles eat away at the MINI, they are, in fact, preparing yet another one: the new Lancia Ypsilon.

The upcoming Ypsilon will follow the new Delta - unveiled in Geneva just a few weeks ago - in Lancia's ambitious rejuvenation campaign. It is tipped to be based on the same mechanicals as the Alfa Mi.To - that is, a modified Fiat Grande Punto platform with a range of gasoline and diesel fours - but with distinct styling, including the iconic Lancia grille flanked by slanted LED headlights and two-tone paint schemes. You can bet that Frank Stephenson - the man responsible for designing the MINI, the 500 and, as head of Alfa's centro stile, the new Mi.To - will have plenty of input in the upcoming Lancia's design, as well. The new Ypsilon is anticipated to make its debut next year at one of the major shows (Geneva '09 would be a good bet) and go in sale in Europe shortly thereafter.

[Source: Auto Express]

Lancia to target MINI with all-new 2009 Ypsilon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia's own version of 8C Competizione to spearhead rejuvenation

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe

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]

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Lancia's own version of 8C Competizione to spearhead rejuvenation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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