Discover what the future Lancia Delta would look like if it were inspired by its illustrious ancestor of the 1980s. Even if the former Citroën designer, Frédéric Dumoutier, is working on the rebirth of the brand, this idea will remain a dream .
Lancia, which survives modestly in Italy with the only Ypsilon in the catalog since 2011, is preparing to make a new start under the aegis of the Stellantis group. This rebirth will include a new Delta, something to dream those who remember the eponymous model of the 1980s. This rally legend gave birth to road models whose first-rate performance went hand in hand with a suggestive look carried by the angular lines traced by Giugiaro. What if Lancia opted for a neo-retro design?
The legacy of the rally
If the Italian manufacturer updated the look of its famous sporty compact, we could find the compact proportions and the short overhangs of this inspirer. The double round front lights would obviously be there, but with LEDs forming a circular light signature, embedded in the projection of the wings and the bonnet on either side of a thin grille. A large hood air intake would add to the aggressiveness of the bow. Wide wings carved with a billhook over “rally” rims would also be on the menu under a straight beltline. The doors would have flush handles.
For even more dynamism, Lancia could equip the car with steeply sloping rear pillars inspired by those of the third generation of Delta launched in 1993 (including the Delta Tipo 56 from the 1910s). At the rear too, we would find the shape of the two lights of the iconic Italian with modern LED lighting. A long roof spoiler and two imposing tailpipes would reflect the hot temper of the mechanics.
TO READ. Lancia Delta Safarista (2022). A restomod just for the rally
The future Delta will be very different
This Lancia of the future inspired by the 1980s will remain purely imaginary. The upcoming Delta should look more elegant than sporty, in order to avoid fratricidal competition with Alfa Romeo within Stellantis. In this, it could rather be closer to the last Delta to date marketed in the years 2010. Designed by Frédéric Dumoutier, defector from Citroën, it will focus on the Italian class. And as regards the engine, that of the next Delta will be 100% electric. The car will be based on the future STLA Medium platform from Stellantis. It is not expected before 2026, the year from which all Lancias placed on the market will be “zero emission”. However, this date will correspond to the release of a 100% electric SUV, cousin of the future DS7 Crossback which will be produced in Melfi in Italy. Because the urgency for the transalpine manufacturer is to replace the only model in the range, the Ypsilon. The new generation is expected for 2024.
Vector Illustrations : Kolesa
