Lancia has told us in first person what his European landing will consist of vehicles, infrastructure, plans, and a conceptual model that will mark a before and after for the Italian brand. We get on the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE and see what the future of this historic company will be like.
Lancia, that historic brand that we all imagine at the top of the podiums that win the world rally or any other category of this competition. The achievements of this company have been highly publicized thanks to emblematic models such as the Lancia Delta or the Stratos, among many others. A few years ago, the brand ceased its sales in practically all markets, except Italian, where you can still buy a Ypsilon.
And precisely, this aforementioned model will be the protagonist of the 'renaissance' of the brand. In 2024, Lancia hopes to put a completely redone new generation of the urban model on the market. But this is not the only thing that the Italian firm promises, since they have carried out an intense plan to take over the market in seven European territories, and the Spanish will be key in this master move.
A range of efficient vehicles
Lancia's future range of vehicles will consist mainly of three vehicles that will mark the cornerstone of the Italian family. In the first place, the Lancia Ypsilon will make an appearance, a small utility belonging to the B segment that will mark the restart of the company as a brand focused on the most premium sector.
This model will arrive in 2024 with a conception very close to what other similar Stellantis vehicles provide today, such as the Opel Corsa or the Peugeot 208. Like its 'cousins', the Italian will use gasoline mechanics supported by mild systems -a hybrid, as well as it will also incorporate a 100% electric version.
Likewise, one of the highlights of this launch will be that the small utility will be manufactured in Spain, specifically in the factory owned by the Stellantis group in Figueruelas, Zaragoza. In this way, Spain becomes one of the favorite territories for the brand, although we will talk about this a little later.
Officially, the next model to arrive will do the same in the year 2026; However, the first rumors are already talking about the possible arrival in 2025 of a new variant of the Ypsilon, specifically, a sporty one that would serve as a rival for the future Alpine 5 or the Mini Cooper SE, among others.
Returning to the thread of the question, the next great launch of Lancia will take place in three years, in 2026, with the arrival of the Gamma. This will position itself as the company's flagship in all aspects and will have a C-SUV-shaped body, although it will innovate a lot in multiple sections that have not yet been described.
Finally, in 2028 one of the most anticipated models will arrive: the resurrection of the Lancia Delta. This launch will mark the end of the cycle for the brand, as it will be the culmination of the models inspired by the Pu+Ra HPE concept vehicle that we have also been able to see. The renewed Delta will use the most classic patterns of the Italian model, thus renouncing its latest generation, more focused on comfort and distinction.
European expansion
Lancia, as we have already mentioned, will have a strong connection to Spain, since its first model of the new generation will be assembled in the Zaragoza factory. However, this will not be the only thing that the company boasts about with respect to our territory.
Lancia will land in Europe through seven potential countries. In these, turn, they will distribute their network of dealers in 70 points of sale and information to the user or potential client. Of course, Spain will be among the lucky ones and is presented as the second most important country for Lancia, after Italy. In our country, they will begin their journey in 2024 with a total of eight totally owned and new facilities. Looking to 2025, this sum will double to 16 points.
In these dealerships, you will breathe the premium air of the
company, with specifically designed furniture, as well as all kinds of elements
that evoke luxury and distinction. The car showroom will be shared with a
comfort area for customers interested in getting to know the product in depth.
But what about the cars?
The Lancia range will initially be presented by the three angular models that we have already described above. Likewise, all of them will be united by the same common germ, and that is none other than the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE that we have already been able to meet, see and touch in the first person.
The name refers to 'Purity' (Pu) and 'Radical' (Ra), while the initials HPE mean 'High-Performance Electric'. With this, one of the most striking names presented on a conceptual model is formed, which is in tune with the model's own image, which leaves no one indifferent.
We could already tell you about its lines, appendices, and specific elements in a specific article published with the presentation of this model. However, the sensations are very different when seeing the car live. First of all, it is wider and shorter than it appears to be in the official photographs. The frontal image with the striking 'chalice' leaves no one indifferent and presents a very personal and unmistakable aesthetic. In my personal opinion, it wins many integers in its direct view.
Its profile is significantly low, and the glazed area draws attention to its great extension since it expands for a good part of the physiognomy of the vehicle (for the entire roof included). Its rims are specifically designed to promote aerodynamic flow, while its shapes have been polished to the extreme to make it as aerodynamic as possible.
Finally, in its rear, its round light groups (representing those incorporated in the mythical Lancia Stratos) and the name of the brand crowning the center of the assembly attract attention. The lower area is very personal, as it has a huge decorative diffuser finished in glossy black. The rear window is almost non-existent, so the company has placed a camera lens in this area to act as an interior rear-view mirror. Here again, the very proportions of the car stand out: very low and wide.
The cabin, in which I have been able to sit, has a totally unique design, inspired by the Italian furniture of the great palaces of the past. The comfort of its passengers will be the main axis on which the brand will focus, as well as on technology. Although this conceptual model did not have its panels active, it has a series of elements to manage the central screen, through a circular panel on the center console. Along with this, some buttons that will act as the gearbox, as well as tactile commands with which to adjust the position of the seat.
The rear seats also have a very personal design, as well as another round panel in the center from where certain elements relating to the comfort of its occupants can be controlled: seat adjustment, air conditioning, etc.
In addition to this, the concept is fully functional, since it has the complete mechanics of a 100% electric model (in fact, in the photos it can be seen with a temporary Spanish license plate). According to the data provided by the company, it is capable of reaching 700 kilometers of autonomy, thanks to its low energy consumption (less than 10 kWh / 100 km), and it is possible that recharges its battery after only 10 minutes of plugging it in. These figures, logically, will vary with respect to production models, although this is always a good step to start with.
Conclusion
Lancia has done it. It has managed to be reborn and seek a
new approach as a brand, knowing how to take advantage of the benefits that
belonging to one of the largest automobile groups in the world (Stellantis)
gives them. The first impression has been more than good. The next meeting
should be in 2024 with the new production Lancia Ypsilon.
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