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Lancia Ypsilon ELLE show car is a pure modern feminine product of the collaboration between Lancia and ELLE. Already a true icon of the Italian design, the new Ypsilon ELLE represents the active lifestyle and dynamism of the modern woman.

The Lancia Ypsilon ELLE show car is as eye-catching as the active, spontaneous and decisive modern woman. With its bodywork finished in unique metalluro-effect pink and the chrome-plated details such as the radiator grille, the rear bumper, handles and door mouldings, the ELLE inspired Ypsilon is ready to satisfy even the most fastidious women in their mobility needs. Also, the elegant Ypsilon is standing graceful on the painted in the same pink as the body, but with a matt coat 16″ alloy wheels.

Inside, the car is finished in special purple leather and Alcantara upholstery. The upholstery is further enhanced by contrasting stitching with bright white leather piping. The interior carpentry was done using a technical material that is also bright white and feels like a fabric. The cool colour scheme continues on the easy-chrome interior displays and central console, which features the purple gear stick gaiter to match the seats and the gemstone. Finally, the interior of the car is made even more exclusive by the bright white Alcantara upholstery on the upper part of the central pillars and the whole roof panel, as well as by the Velour floor mats with leather edges.

This specially created Ypsilon provides a sneak preview of a special series of cars that will be manufactured in limited edition and sold in spring 2010 in the major European markets.

Lancia Delta reflects perfectly the concept of “Anticrisis Luxury” as it fulfils the current requirements of prestige and mobility thanks to the logic of downsizing – i.e. it ensures high quality and performance, reducing cost, size and fuel consumption. Thanks to these winning characteristics, in March this model became the leader of its car range in Italy and is fast growing at European level. In order to improve these results, today Lancia launches a new engine and a new version together with a number of technological changes that make this car the reference product for this car range.

The innovations of the 2009 range

The main innovation is represented by the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet engine, the most powerful one of its range. It is an innovative petrol direct injection engine that confirms Lancia’s preference for sports cars and, at the same time, its commitment to protect the environment by limiting emissions and fuel consumption.

These qualities are achieved by enhancing its brilliance, flexibility and the pleasure of driving which have always made this model stand out. This engine is produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – and is provided with a modern 6 speed automatic transmission. It delivers a maximum power of 200 HP (147 kw) at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm (32.6 Kgm) at 1,400 rpm. With such equipment, Lancia Delta can reach a maximum speed of 230 km/h and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.4 seconds. At the same time, the car stands out for low fuel consumption (7.8 litres per 100 km), reduced CO2 emissions (185 g/km) and a Euro 5 homologation.

The second innovation is the exclusive Executive version: a car addressed to clients who look for top luxury and comfort. The “top range” was designed to fulfil the requirements of business clients and members of the diplomatic and institutional worlds – as the attention invested in designing a comfortable passenger compartment shows. Seats are wrap around and comfortable as they are designed to business class standards. The back seats are comfortable for long trips with plenty of room for the legs. Therefore, Lancia Delta Executive offers a real, modern, in tune with the time alternative to bigger, heavier and more expensive cars. The fact this car was chosen to be the Official Car for the 9th World Summit of the Nobel Peace Prize held from 11th to 13th December 2008 in Paris – of which Lancia was the Main Sponsor – is not a coincidence. A Lancia Delta Executive fleet will also drive the international authorities to the G8 summit that will take place from the 8th to the 10th of July.
Lastly, the third innovation of the Lancia Delta 2009 range is represented by the marketing of some innovative devices aimed at making driving a comfortable and pleasant experience. First of all, there are the electronic suspensions with a variable damping system (Reactive Suspension System), capable of reducing car vibrations and ensuring maximum levels of safety, comfort and driveability. Then there is the brand new Sportronic 6 gear automatic transmission with controls on the steering wheels (currently the device is provided with only a 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet engine). The last technological innovation of the Lancia Delta is represented by the semi-automatic parking system called “Magic Parking”.

All these technological innovations – together with the self-adaptive bi-xenon headlights (Adaptive Xenon Light) and the integrated satellite navigator (Instant Nav) – were made thanks to the cooperation between the Brand and Magneti Marelli. We cannot forget that the cooperation between Fiat Group Automobiles, Magneti Marelli and Microsoft has given birth to Blue&Me™, a system complete with Telecom service functions – which Lancia Delta is the first one to offer – together with hands free, music player and navigation functions.

Film stars choose Lancia Delta

Lancia Delta was engaged for the Columbia Sony Pictures “Angels and Demons” new film kolossal. This film, inspired by Dan Brown’s bestseller of the same title, is on the same line of the “The Da Vinci Code” and is also directed by Ron Howard, with Tom Hanks in the role of professor Langdon. Lancia celebrates this important product placement with a Delta Special Series that enhances the double soul of this model: an angel in terms of carbon emission and a devil in terms of performances. The proof is in the two engines available for this version, the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet and the 190 HP 1.9 TwinTurbo, which ensure a better CO2/HP ratio for this range – i.e. maximum power for minimum emissions. The same winning features can be found in the other two models that make up the “Première Collection”: 105 HP Ypsilon 1.3 Multijet and 95 HP Musa 1.3 Multijet.

The Lancia Delta Limited Range, which is characterized by its pastel colours, a white main body and a polished black roof, has elegant interiors with a black leather and “Sport” Alcantara® covering. The rich equipment makes this range even more interesting: from the climate control system to the fog lights, from the CD MP3 radio to the steering wheels in leather with radio controls, from the Blue&Me™ system to the alloy wheels.

For the movie launch of “Angel and Demons” scheduled for the 15th May, Lancia has decided to launch an original communication campaign that goes under the slogan “One angel, 200 demons”. Actions, performance and temperament: these three concepts dominate the commercial that, thanks to an agreement with Sony Pictures, exclusively shows some of the film shots of which the new 200 HP Delta 1.8 Di TurboJet is the protagonist. The press campaign is as sensational as the film as it combines one of the most emblematic film shots with a double image of the new Delta which clearly refers to its double soul: angelic on the outside, but with 200 demons inside. Lastly, a banner campaign and a web competition organised with the help of Sony Pictures, whose prize is of course a Lancia Delta, are about to be launched on the Internet.

However, the relationship between Delta and the film industry does not stop with the new “Angels and Demons” movie. The exclusive sedan was launched at international level with a commercial that is a true short film starring Richard Gere in the main role and with a soundtrack composed by the master, Oscar winning Ennio Morricone.

Furthermore, for the 9th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prizes, a film was produced to support Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and prisoner of her own country. In Italy, the commercial was supposed to have the voice of Dario Fo as the narrator, a winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Lancia Delta is increasingly the car chosen by stars. Since last year, this model has been the Official Car of the most prestigious film festivals sponsored by Brand: following its launch at the 65th Venice Film Festival, a fleet of Delta cars drove cinema stars to the red carpets in Rome, Milan and Turin.

Technical Specifications of Lancia Delta 200 HP 1.8 Di Turbo Jet E5 (Sportronic):

ENGINE: 200 HP 1.8 Di Turbo Jet E5

N. of cylinders, arrangement: 4, in line, transverse forward

Bore x stroke (mm): 83X80.5

Displacement (cc): 1742

Compression ratio: 9.5-0.5 /+0,.0

CE maximum output power: 147 (200 HP) KW from 5,000 to 5,500 rpm

CE peak torque: 320 Nm from 1,400 to 3,750 rpm

Emission standard: Euro 5

Timing system (control): belt, twin overhead camshaft with double phase transformer.

Fuel feed: turbocharger and petrol direct injection system

TRANSMISSION

Drive: front

Transmission, number of gears: automatic, 6 + 1R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery: 60 Ah capacity

STEERING

Box: DualdriveTM electrical power steering

Turning cycle between kerbs(m):

10.6 (17″ tyres)

11.2 (18″ tyres)

Geneva sees the debut of the Delta Executive, the new Lancia flagship which exactly matches the requirements of a refined customer who is alive to technological developments but knows the value of tradition, who wants a solid product but also exclusivity and prestige. These are businessmen, managers and independent professionals who know how to combine conceptually opposing values such as tradition and innovation, rationality and emotion, but who are also representatives of the institutional and diplomatic milieus.

Aimed, therefore, at customers seeking greater elegance and comfort, the Delta Executive offers an exclusive rear seat providing the same comfort as a business class seat on an intercontinental flight. In addition, the roominess of the rear passenger compartment in the Delta is the best in the market segment, confirming that Lancia has devoted the utmost attention to the space reserved to passengers rather than just the driver. So the original Executive version is also the perfect answer for prestige representation purposes. The version shown at Geneva is fitted with the powerful 1.8 liter Di TurboJet engine developing 200 HP and Euro 5 compliant, coupled with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. In addition, from the outside, the Delta Executive is distinguished by its two-tone bodywork (body in Light Bronze and “Eclipse” gloss black roof), the special two-tone diamond-edged alloy rims, the gold “D” logo on the door pillar and the word “Delta” on the rear window as well as the special trims. Inside, the Lancia Delta Executive offers high-quality seats with new wraparound head restraints and dashboard covered in Frau Pieno Fiore beige leather with special chocolate brown edging, “Montblanc” black dashboard, double tinted glass courtesy light on the roof liner and leather embellished with new elegant stitching. Developed from the Delta Platino, the new version offers as standard: Reactive Suspension System, parking sensors, 6 airbags, dual-zone automatic climate control, Granluce sunroof, Instant Nav, Absolute Handling System, fog lights with cornering function, and a front armrest with refrigerator compartment.

Let’s look in detail at three very interesting features of the new Executive version of the Lancia Delta: the Absolute Handling System and DST (Drive Steering Torque) steering wheel; the electronic suspension with variable damping (Reactive Suspension System); and the new semi-automatic parking assistance system (Magic parking).

Absolute Handling System and DST (Drive Steering Torque) steering wheel

To ensure perfect control of the car by the driver, the Lancia Delta uses the “Absolute Handling System” – a development of ESP (Electronic Stability Program) – the system which intervenes in conditions close to the limit, when the stability of the car is at risk, and helps the driver to control the vehicle. In addition, two further systems are coupled to the Absolute Handling System: the Hill Holder system, which assists the driver on hill starts; the ASR anti-slip system (Anti Slip Regulation), which optimizes traction at all speeds using the brakes and engine control; and the MSR system (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung – Drag Torque Regulation), which cuts in and reduces engine torque when the gear is shifted down abruptly when climbing.

But the Absolute Handling System on the Lancia Delta is an “advanced” type in that it introduces some very important functions such as LTF (Linearisation Torque Feedback) and TTC (Torque Transfer Control). In addition, the new control system always intervenes “discreetly” thanks to its association with DST (Drive Steering Torque), the “active electronic steering system” which automatically makes corrections and corrects oversteer on low grip surfaces.

DST (Drive Steering Torque) is the innovative system which improves both driving safety and handling behavior. Under all driving conditions, the electronic steering system suggests to the driver the correct maneuvers to be performed, resulting in optimum roadholding and instilling a great sense of security. It is the result of the continuous interaction between the electric power steering (which applies torque to the steering wheel) and electronic dynamic control (Absolute Handling System). In effect, DST automatically makes corrections, helps maintain control of the vehicle and makes the intervention of the Absolute Handling System more “discrete”.

There are three conditions under which the DST system proves particularly useful:

- In the event of oversteer the system performs the most appropriate maneuver to maintain control of the car under all conditions.
- MCF (Mu-Split Control Function) intervenes in the event of driving on surfaces with variable grip (for example, it often happens in winter that two wheels are on ice while the other two are on asphalt). In this particular case, the DST system orders an automatic countersteer which controls the car (avoiding a spin) and at the same time stopping as quickly as possible (braking distance reduced by 10%).
- LTF (Liberalization Torque Feedback): in sports driving, if the system detects increased lateral acceleration (above 0.6 g) it cuts in, providing increased torque against the steering wheel. In this way, it markedly improves the sensation of control on bends, especially at high speeds.

Finally, Lancia Delta offers the new TTC system (Torque Transfer Control) which improves the transfer of engine torque to the wheels and, in particular, guarantees optimum behavior of the car on bends, making it safer and more enjoyable in sports driving or in low grip conditions. The TTC system is based on exploiting the braking system which, accurately operated by the electronic control unit of the Absolute Handling System, creates behavior very similar to a limited slip differential (in other words the TTC system electronically simulates the presence of a self-locking differential). In particular, the front braking system, under acceleration on bends, operates on the inside wheel, thereby increasing the motive power of the outside wheel (higher load), thereby distributing the torque between the front driving wheels dynamically and continuously in accordance with the driving conditions and road surface.

Electronic suspension with variable damping (Reactive Suspension System)

The suspension layout used by the Lancia Delta makes use of a consolidated architecture optimized for comfort and lightness: the front suspension is MacPherson type with mechanical crossmember and wishbones optimized for the new load conditions; at the rear a torsion bar and anti-roll bar solution was chosen to achieve optimum driving performance.

But the biggest novelty of the model is the introduction of a system created in collaboration with Magneti Marelli: the innovative oscillation damping system (Reactive Suspension System), hitherto reserved for the most modern cars in the top segments and applied for the first time by the Fiat Group to a car in the medium segment. The Reactive Suspension System – using real time electronic control of the shock absorbers – reduces oscillations of the car body under all driving conditions, thereby guaranteeing the highest levels of safety, comfort and drivability. Using several sensors, the system identifies the driving scenario and the road conditions and chooses the most appropriate control programs. These include the function known as “Sky-Hook”, which isolates the passenger compartment and makes it notionally motionless with respect to external disturbances.

In addition, thanks to the computing power of the electronic control unit and the instantaneous response of precise electrovalves, the system immediately cancels out disturbances coming from uneven road surfaces and provides optimal dynamic control even in sports driving mode (selectable), improving handling and steering precision.

Last but not least, the Reactive Suspension System reduces the stopping distance of the car (by about 5%, due to the perfect contact between wheel and ground) and provides prompt intervention in the event of emergency maneuvers with subsequent smooth resumption of safety conditions.

Semi-automatic parking assistance system (Magic parking)

Finding a suitable parking space is often a difficult operation in cities with high traffic densities. And once one is found, due to the narrowness of the spaces available, the maneuver can be quite demanding. To counter this, the Lancia Delta has an innovative parking assistance system which helps the driver both to recognize whether a parking space is big enough, and to perform the actual entry maneuver. In fact, the system first measures the length of the free space, indicating whether it is sufficient for the car. Next, the system automatically steers the vehicle when reversing, leaving the driver to adjust the speed using accelerator and brake.

In a single maneuver, the vehicle is positioned correctly in a parallel parking space, optimizing entry into the free space available in order to limit the number of successive alignment maneuvers of the vehicle by the driver. Obviously, the driver has full control of the whole operation by operating the pedals, and can deactivate the system by operating the steering wheel or disengaging reverse gear, or alternatively pressing the dedicated push button.

The heart of the system is a radar sensor installed on the right and left sides of the vehicle, inside the front bumpers. The radar beam is sent into the space to the right (or left) and the echoes are detected by the sensor, which generates a map of the area between the parked cars, “sees” the free space and identifies other possible obstacles. At the same time, using the information coming from the measurement of wheel speed, the system is able to measure the length of the free spaces.

The driver is notified of the presence of a suitable parking space if the length measured is compatible with the dimensions of the vehicle plus 130 centimeters (must be at least 5.82 meters): an acoustic signal indicates recognition of a suitable space, while the display indicates whether the parking maneuver can be calculated in a single or several operations.

If the driver considers the parking space identified acceptable and engages reverse gear, the system is able to control the lateral movement of the vehicle using the power steering, allowing the driver take his hands off the steering wheel and control the movement of the vehicle exclusively with the accelerator and brake pedals: in this phase, the maximum speed allowed is 7 km/h and, if the driver wants to interrupt operation of the system, he need only resume control of the steering wheel.

2009 Lancia Delta Hardblack

Lancia Delta is the ideal answer to the three fundamental and often opposing demands of the modern customer: it offers the space of a big sedan but the length of a compact; the power of a sports car, but with ecologically friendly emission levels and economic consumption; top of the range equipment, but at a “realistic” price. Lancia Delta therefore meets the needs of today’s prestige customers by “downsizing”, in other words providing superior performance and luxury with low cost, size and consumption. In this context we have the debut of the new “direct gasoline injection” engine: the powerful 1.8 liter Di TurboJet engine producing 200 HP (Euro 5). Coupled with an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, the innovative engine confirms the commitment of Lancia Automobiles in the field of environmental compliance in terms of containing emissions and reducing consumption. All of which further enhances the sparkle, flexibility and driving pleasure which have always been the hallmark the make.

Produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the new engine delivers a maximum output of 200 HP (147 kw) at 5000 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm (32.6 Kgm) at 2000 rpm. Combined with a 6-speed automatic/sequential transmission, the new 1.8 liter 200 HP Di TurboJet engine provides unmatched excitement and driving pleasure. As shown by the performance values – maximum speed of 230 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds. And, despite this exciting performance, the consumption and emissions of the Lancia Delta fitted with this engine are low: respectively 7.8 l/100km in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 185 g/km. The new engine is Euro 5 compliant.

To provide high power, remarkable flexibility and sparkling output, the new engine introduces direct gasoline injection and turbocharging using continuous dual VVT (variable valve timing) on both the inlet and exhaust side. The combination of these different technological solutions offers customers significant advantages. For instance, direct injection gives low fuel consumption in relation to the power produced by the engine. And the turbocharger linked to the dual VVT allows rapid response, due to a particularly favorable torque curve.

It should be emphasized that combination with a 6-speed automatic transmission further enhances the characteristics of flexibility and speed of response, giving the Lancia Delta 1.8 liter 200 HP Di TurboJet engine an exceptionally smooth ride to suit customer preferences and the choice of comfort or sports driving. In particular, the system is distinguished by a compact and light transmission, which is designed with particular attention to reducing consumption: the use of low friction oil gives increased efficiency, and the 6th gear is designed to be particularly useful for motorway driving. The precise management software recognizes varying road conditions and adjusts drivability by means of braking assist, recognition of gradients and bends, preference for sports or comfort driving. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the possibility of choosing “Winter,” “Normal” and “Sport” programs automatically, in addition to manual mode (TIP) with steering wheel controls which further illustrate the sporting character of this car.

It will be introduced at the 2008 International Paris Motor Show, a Lancia Ypsilon VERSUS show car produced with the Versace Group brand that will also dress the models on the stand with garments chosen to suit the expressive motifs of the exhibition space. All this confirms the strong bond between Lancia and the world of Fashion. Together with Design and Cinema, Fashion is one of the brand’s languages of reference, as is borne out by the choice of Lancia cars as official vehicles for the Milan fashion week.

The Lancia Ypsilon continues to cause a stir, confirming its place as a true icon of Italian design. This time, it is the turn of the ‘Ypsilon VERSUS’, an original version created as a result of collaboration between Lancia and Versus, a Versace Group brand that has always been a byword for exquisite styling innovation. With its pronounced tendency for a young, dynamic style, Versus reflects the taste of an audience that is very aware of fashion trends and full of vitality. Attention to detail, care over proportions and top-quality workmanship and materials are the strengths of the brand collections. So it seemed quite natural to combine the VERSUS brand with Ypsilon, the Lancia model directed at the same young and sophisticated audience.

The show car is the forerunner of a special series that will be produced in a limited edition (500 cars) and marketed from March 2009. The car confirms Lancia’s interest in the world of fashion. Despite the apparent differences between motoring and fashion, the two worlds actually share important qualities such as talent, creativity and innovation.

The winning ingredients of world-renowned Italian style, in other words.

The ‘Ypsilon Versus show car’ features certain exterior features of great visual impact. Beginning with the special Bronzino Bronze body color that bears a screen-printed ‘Versus’ logo on the roof. The exterior also boasts bronze 16″ alloy rims. The original bronze chrome finish is also repeated on the grille, handles, molding on the doors and rear bumpers and tailgate handle, sporting the Versus logo.

The same strong personality is evident inside, as borne out by special upholstery produced with a band in a cloth that recalls the world of fashion – and a central area in brown leather with a ‘Versus’ logo heat-printed in relief, just as on the accessories produced by the fashion brand.

The same craftsmanship has been lavished on the pearl-effect leather of the head restraint, adorned with an embossed VERSUS logo, on the dashboard and on the door panels. Everything has been made even more elegant and exclusive by detailing on the instrument panel, sill plate and gearbox that also have the same bronze chrome finish as the exterior features.