‘08 Geneva: Lancia Revives Delta Nameplate for 2008
Although we've been shown countless special editions of the Ypsilon compact, Lancia actually brought a new production model - the Delta five-door - to the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
Based off the same underpinnings used in the Fiat Stilo, the Delta makes liberal use of the wedgy design form common among current Lancias. We think the look isn't bad, but we question the use of the Delta name. The moniker previously (in Integrale forms) represented power and muscle, whereas the current car looks slender and feminine.
The front-drive Delta is available with the 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 in either 120- or 150-horsepower versions, or a 1.6-liter turbodiesel I-4 rated at 120 horsepower. Gas motors are available with a choice of manual, semi-automatic or full-auto gearboxes, while the 1.6-liter diesel comes standard with the dual-clutch semi-auto 'box.
Lancia plans to add three additional engines after the intial launch this year, including a 165-horse 2.0-liter turbodiesel and a 1.9-liter twin-turbo diesel mill that cranks out 190 horsepower. A gasoline 1.8-liter direct-injection turbocharged I-4 is also planned, delivering a resepectable 200 ponies underhood.
Buyers should have plenty of flexibility specing' out their Delta's powertrain in any desired configuration. Regardless of their choice, they'll be getting a stylish, luxurious hatchback - even if that name may not be fitting.
Comments
a_meehan
The original Delta didn't have anything to do with power and muscle either. It wasn't until the Rally cars got homologated that it got that reputation. Obviously Lancia is trying to rebrand themselves with this car and the Ypsilon (and rightly so), so that's my only objection to the Delta name.
Last I checked, there were plenty of Greek letters out there for the taking that don't have historical baggage.
MZ
The first Delta was a beautiful car (even before the launch of HF and Integrale versions). I think it looked much better than any other hatchback form '80. Only Mk II Golf and Peugeot 205 could compete with Delta.
The nest Delta from '90 wasn't bad as well. They both seemed to be light and agile - just as the hatchback should be. And I wanted to have one of them.
This one just doesn't look right. It's too fat, to elegant. I'm dissapointed.
Lancia was famous for hot versions of Delta. Do you imagine a hot version of this one?
hwyhobo
This is Lancia I would like as a gift:
http://www.stratossupersite.com/images/Alit2.jpg
;)
Richard
190 hp from a 1.9 l diesel engine?
Is there a typo here? I don't believe it....
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