A pair months after an undisguised prototyped crashed right into a river, Lancia has unveiled its new Ypsilon hatchback, the primary new Lancia in 13 years. Based on the identical platform as different Stellantis merchandise just like the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa, the Ypsilon is debuting in absolutely electrical guise however might be out there with inner combustion powertrains sooner or later.
Say what you’ll in regards to the Ypsilon’s appears to be like, which have been first previewed by the Pu+Ra idea final yr, but it surely’s actually distinctive and contemporary, and that’s precisely what Lancia has wanted — personally, I am keen on it, and it’s means higher than the outdated Ypsilon. The entrance finish has a reinterpretation of the model’s traditional grille, utilizing three skinny LED strips in a Y formation positioned in a black panel that has a lit-up, redesigned Lancia script on the prime. The headlights themselves are spherical pods mounted decrease within the entrance bumper.
In profile, the Ypsilon separates itself from its Stellantis siblings with easy surfacing and door handles which are hidden within the angular black C-pillar trim, which options the up to date Lancia crest. Inspired by the Stratos, the spherical taillights have Y-shaped LEDs inside them and are set at an angle on a black panel. The superior wheels additionally use Y-shaped design parts. Lancia hasn’t talked about any plans to re-enter motorsport, however I believe the Ypsilon would look rad as a WRC rally automotive, so Stellantis ought to get on that.
While the Ypsilon’s inside is much less radical, it nonetheless appears to be like very cool. There’s a horizontal motif all through, with the dashboard made up of slim tiers that circulate properly onto the door panels. Dual 10.25-inch shows sit on the prime of the sprint, and there’s a row of precise buttons beneath the air vents. The Ypsilon debuts Lancia’s new infotainment system referred to as S.A.L.A. — that stands for Sound Air Light Augmentation — which might simply change the inside setting by adjusting the ambient lighting, local weather management, music and different features. A disc mounted on prime of the screens is for the HUB digital assistant.
The first 1,906 Ypsilons offered in Italy would be the Edizione Limitata Cassina, which was designed in collaboration with Italian furnishings model Cassina. The seats have superb blue velvet upholstery created from 100-percent recycled yarn, with stitching that creates a pasta-inspired “cannelloni” sample, and the door panels and sprint have matching blue materials. That blue paint can also be unique to the Cassina version, as is the chrome-free wheel end.
What actually units the Cassina Ypsilon’s inside aside is the “tavolino,” a mini spherical espresso desk set into the entrance of the middle console that has an built-in wi-fi charging pad. The tavolino is created from bio-based plastic and saddle leather-based that’s stamped with Cassina’s brand, and Lancia says it was designed to make the Ypsilon’s inside really feel like an “authentic living room to guarantee the comfort typical of Italian homes: a space to be experienced in a harmonious and elegant synthesis.” It’s unclear whether or not the tavolino might be discovered on the usual variations of the Ypsilon; I hope it’s going to, because it’s an excellent distinctive design component with some real performance. In addition to the tavolino, the middle console appears to be like to have lots of cupboard space.
The absolutely electrical Ypsilon makes use of a 51-kWh battery pack and an electrical motor on the entrance axle placing out 156 horsepower, making it essentially the most highly effective automotive within the phase. Lancia says it’s going to have a spread of over 250 miles and might recharge from 20 to 80 p.c in 24 minutes. The gas-powered variations of the Ypsilon will possible use a spread of three- and four-cylinder engines, a few of which may have mild-hybrid tech.
While the outgoing Ypsilon was solely offered in Italy for the previous few years of its life, Lancia is utilizing the brand new mannequin to significantly develop the model’s footprint. The new Ypsilon might be offered in different European nations like Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. It might be adopted by a flagship Gamma fastback crossover in 2026 and a reborn Delta hatch in 2028, each of which might be absolutely electrical.
Source: jalopnik.com