The quirky Italian brand reveals more on its upcoming brand revitalisation, but there’s still no word on a possible UK return…
Lancia has confirmed new details on its all-new range of models due from next year onwards. After years of apparent neglect from its Stellantis parent company, Lancia is on the road back with a solid plan for the future. The brand is aiming to embody the same high technology and high design philosophy as it used to back in its heyday, channelled into three all-new models. If you’ve been hoping for any news about a possible return to the UK, though, specifics are still typically vague even as the new Lancia range begins to take shape from 2024.
The first of these three new Lancias will be an all-new Ypsilon that features both hybrid and full-electric powertrains. The current Ypsilon has been on sale in continental Europe for over 12 years now, yet continues to sell in extraordinary numbers thanks to very strong sales in its native Italy. This new generation will probably share the current car’s supermini form, and will most likely make use of the CMP and e-CMP platforms also found underneath the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa. This model will be launched next year, with an eccentric design taking inspiration from the radical Lancia Pu+Ra HPE Concept.
Next up on the list will be the flagship Lancia Gamma, a pure-electric fastback based on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, and built at the Melfi plant in Italy. At 4.7m long, this low and sleek EV will be a similar size to an Audi A5 Sportback and feature the brand’s latest battery technology that should see up to 435 miles from a charge. It will feature both single and dual motor powertrains with front- or all-wheel drive capability, the latter representing the pinnacle of the brand’s performance capabilities.
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The greatest hot hatchbacks of all time
The greatest hot hatchbacks of all timeThe final new Lancia model will reboot the brand’s most famous moniker, Delta, as an all-electric model due from 2028. Few details have been confirmed about this final car, but it’s expected to channel the brand’s long and illustrious heritage of high performance models like the Delta Integrale, Delta S4 and 037, in a potential crossover form.
Unfortunately, despite Stellantis targeting 50 per cent of Lancia sales to come from outside its core Italian market, it has yet to offer a firm commitment to returning to the UK. While there is a conversation and internal interest, the limited sales potential and requirement for right-hand-drive re-engineering for UK cars are significant roadblocks, even if pooled with Japan and Australia – the other two main RHD markets.
Still, with the STLA architecture underpinning all of Lancia’s new models engineered to work in both left and right-hand-drive, it’s not totally out of the question. But for now we’ll have to peer over the channel to see what we’re missing out on.
Which is your favourite Lancia model of all time? Tell us in the comments section below…
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