New Lancia Ypsilon: A Tribute to the Legendary Stratos

The Lancia Ypsilon is a small hatchback that has been on sale in Europe since 1985. It is one of the few models that kept the Lancia brand alive in recent years, as the Italian automaker struggled to compete with its rivals. But now, Lancia is ready for a new era of electric and premium vehicles, and the Ypsilon is getting a major makeover.

Lancia’s Renaissance

Lancia is part of the Stellantis group, which also owns brands like Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen, Jeep, and Dodge. Stellantis has announced a bold plan to revive Lancia, which was once known for its innovative and stylish cars, such as the Delta, the Fulvia, and the Stratos.

According to Stellantis, Lancia will launch three new models by 2028, starting with a new Lancia Ypsilon in 2024, a flagship model in 2026, and a new Delta in 2028. All of these cars will be fully electric, as Lancia aims to become a leader in sustainability and design.

Lancia has also revealed a new logo, which is inspired by the 1957 version of the brand identity. The logo features a stylized lance and shield, which represent the company’s heritage and values. Lancia says the new logo is “capable of expressing innovation, premiumness, and Italian-ness with a touch of eclecticism.”

The New Lancia Ypsilon

The new Ypsilon will be the first model to showcase Lancia’s new design language, based on the concept of “Pu+Ra Zero”. Lancia unveiled This three-dimensional sculpture in November to preview its future direction. The sculpture combines smooth and angular shapes referencing Lancia’s iconic models.

One of the most striking features of the new Ypsilon is the round LED taillights, which are reminiscent of the world rally champion Lancia Stratos. The Stratos was a mid-engined sports car that dominated the rally scene in the 1970s, winning three consecutive titles from 1974 to 1976. The Stratos is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and influential cars ever made.

The new Ypsilon will also have a Y-shaped lighting element at the front, similar to the Pu+Ra Zero concept. The car will have a sleek and elegant silhouette, with a flowing line on the profile inspired by the Lancia Aurelia. The Aurelia was a luxury sedan that debuted in 1950 and was the first car to feature a V6 engine.

The new Ypsilon will not only be stylish but also sustainable. Lancia says that at least 50% of the touch points inside the car will be made of ecological materials, such as recycled plastic, organic fabrics, and natural fibers. The car will also have a fully electric powertrain with a range of over 300 km (186 miles) on a single charge.

A New Hope for Lancia Fans

The new Lancia Ypsilon is expected to debut in 2024 and will be sold in Europe and other selected markets. It will compete with other small electric hatchbacks, such as the Mini Cooper SE, the Honda e, and the Fiat 500e. The price of the new Ypsilon is not yet known, but it will likely be higher than the current model, which starts at around $18,000.

The new Ypsilon is a sign of hope for Lancia fans, who have been waiting for a long time to see the brand return to its former glory. Lancia has a rich history of producing cars that combine innovation, performance, and elegance, and the new Ypsilon promises to continue that legacy. Lancia’s CEO Luca Napolitano said: “Today is the beginning of our Renaissance that will amaze Lancia fans all over the world. Lancia will once again be a desirable, respected, and reliable brand in the European premium market. Today is the beginning of the new Lancia!”