| Submit Your Article | |
| Contact Us | |
| Our RSS Feed | |
| Our Blog | |
|
|
Lancia to target MINI with all-new 2009 Ypsilon |
We're a peace-lovin' bunch here at Autoblog, but truth be told, we love it when the British and the Italians fight. Conflict between these two automaking nations has produced such rivalries as Ferrari vs. McLaren, Aston Martin vs. Maserati and Alfa Romeo vs. Jaguar. Lately the duel has been downsized considerably, but got ever more ferocious when the Fiat Group decided that it wouldn't let the MINI have the retro-hatch niche all to itself anymore. And so we got the Fiat 500, followed by the recently-released Alfa Mi.To. But lest you think the Italians would sit back and watch their newest style-mobiles eat away at the MINI, they are, in fact, preparing yet another one: the new Lancia Ypsilon.
The upcoming Ypsilon will follow the new Delta – unveiled in Geneva just a few weeks ago – in Lancia's ambitious rejuvenation campaign. It is tipped to be based on the same mechanicals as the Alfa Mi.To – that is, a modified Fiat Grande Punto platform with a range of gasoline and diesel fours – but with distinct styling, including the iconic Lancia grille flanked by slanted LED headlights and two-tone paint schemes. You can bet that Frank Stephenson – the man responsible for designing the MINI, the 500 and, as head of Alfa's centro stile, the new Mi.To – will have plenty of input in the upcoming Lancia's design, as well. The new Ypsilon is anticipated to make its debut next year at one of the major shows (Geneva '09 would be a good bet) and go in sale in Europe shortly thereafter.
Add your comment:
Recreation Vehicle: Zagato recreates 1938 Lancia roadster from faded photos
Click above to view more of the Zagato Lancia Aprilia Sport Zagato is an ambitious carrozzeria, venturing to reinterpret Ferraris, Maseratis and most recently a Bentley Continental GT Speed with its own unique bodywork. Its latest unveiling, however... More »
Craigslist Ugly Duckling of the Day: 1965 Lancia Flavia Zagato
Click to view more of the 1965 Lancia Flavia Zagato Zagato's designs aren't for everyone. Just as well, because they're not available to everyone, usually costing a fair penny and produced in very limited numbers. This example, however, takes the... More »
Return of Lancia Fulvia gets green light again
The 2003 Lancia Fulvia Coupe concept that tantalized showgoers at the Frankfurt Motor Show with its crisp lines that strongly evoked its namesake predecessor was presumed dead after Fiat canned the idea due to financial woes and want of a modern... More »
2008 Lancia Delta Full Details
Delta is a historical name that represents one of the pinnacles of Lancia’s motoring history, but also a mathematical symbol that stands for change, progress. Delta is a universal measure of difference, a striving toward excellence by exceeding a... More »
Lancias at Pebble Beach
The main attraction at 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, California, will be a collection of seventeen Lancia autos. The Fiat owned brand will be represented by very rare models. The oldest vehicle of the collection is 1908 the 12-horsepower... More »
More...
