by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen February 5, 2008 2:24 PM
Filed Under: European, Lancia
3 images of the luxury Bravo
A day after we brought you news that Lancia will indeed be showcasing their new Delta hatchback at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Lancia has released the first three official images.
It is good to see that Lancia has stayed true to the concept's design, you could argue that the production version looks even more daring than the concept. Which would be a good thing, since Lancia design has been 'lacking' in inspiration the last few years (just picture the Lancia Thesis).
The Lancia Delta is based on the Fiat Bravo platform, but has been stretched for additional interior space. The interior itself receives plenty of leather and Alcantara for a cosy and luxurious environment. Which engine will be found under the hood is not yet known.
Stay tuned for pictures of this stunning new Lancia Delta live from the Geneva show floor early March!
The Lancia Delta will debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show.
Delta is a historical name associated with a peak in Lancia’s motoring past but it is also a mathematical symbol that stands for change, difference and evolution.
From this viewpoint, the Lancia Delta is the first product of the new Lancia philosophy. It has an original, unique positioning, the combination of two values that are fundamental for the brand, elegant styling and a daring, innovative attitude, that inspires all aspects of its marketing and communications activities.
The first totally new car in Lancia’s second century makes its appearance today, with an unparalleled design that upholds the brand’s vocation for innovation.
A first evolutionary “delta” is Lancia’s ability to reconcile its traditional elegance with original architectural solutions which harmoniously blend the assertiveness of a sports car with the onboard well-being of a saloon for the first time.
Designed by the Lancia Style Centre, the new Delta carries forward the tradition of the “great” Lancia models of the past –the Aprilia, the Appia, the Fulvia, the Beta, the Prisma, the Dedra and the Lybra – into the future, and takes its place firmly in the medium saloon segment. The Delta is 4.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.5 metres high, measurements that combine with a wheelbase of 2.7 metres to guarantee an extraordinary amount of roominess for this category.
The interior is quiet and full of light, furnished with luxury materials and harmonious colours, and guarantees unbeatable travelling comfort. The sound-absorbing headlining keeps noise to a minimum and luminosity is guaranteed by the extensive glazing of the side windows and the GranLuce sunroof, when it is fitted.
A sliding rear seat with reclining squab turns the passenger compartment into an enjoyable living-room. And this solution also makes the large luggage compartment even more versatile, modular and capacious.
The new Delta offers a high level of technology in terms of entertainment, thanks to collaboration with leading partners in each sector, exemplified by a Bose Hi-Fi radio incorporating a CD player and MP3 file reader with steering-wheel mounted controls, the Blue&Me® system developed with Microsoft, also available in a NAV version, and a brand new satellite navigation system developed with Magneti Marelli.
The Lancia Delta also expresses elegance and attitude where the engines and engineering are concerned.
This attitude comes from fitting a range of turbo engines, both petrol and diesel, with power deliveries extending from 120 bhp up to 200 bhp, and a choice of 6-speed transmissions – manual, robotised and automatic. Engine performance is backed up by tried and tested engineering that guarantees comfort and handling thanks to the adoption of an advanced ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system and technical features that are unique in this category, such as SDC suspension (with electronic damping control), which makes the car even more enjoyable to drive.
Elegance is conveyed by the lines and materials, but also by the car’s relationship with the outside world. Where the environment is concerned, the Lancia Delta’s diesel engines anticipate the limits of the future Euro 5 standards, a feature that certainly represents another “delta” in relation to the competition.
With such features and the international development work underway to support the launch, which will take place in mid 2008, the Delta marks a turning point in Lancia history, and will certainly make a significant contribution to the implementation of the strategic plan.
lancia is sinking at rapid speeds - just remember the late 80s delta integrale that won ralleys and hearts! It was the blueprint for all the boy racers dreams like the impreza and lancer evo better and bader than the audi quattros... but this is a better shopping cart so sad to see that pioneer brand go away.
Lancia has lost it. Yes I know Alfa is now in the sporty luxury brand in the Fiat Group but everyone bought the Delta Integrale and nobody buys the Alfa 147. And this thing is ugly! You're better in a Bravo!
