Detroitsburg

[whigger]

Now into its second century Italian marque Lancia is planning to rejuvenate its model line-up, beginning with this, a replacement for the legendary Delta.

The new Delta is based closely on the HPE Concept of 2006 and will debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show. However the firm refuses to be drawn on when a return to the UK market might occur.

Built on the Fiat Bravo platform, the Delta will be larger, measuring 4.5 metres long by 1.8 metres wide and 1.5 metres high. Little changed from the initial concept, the Delta features a fresh interpretation of the Lancia shield grille sitting above a two-pronged front spoiler incorporating a large air intake and integrated foglamps. A sharp swage line curves around the boomerang shaped rear lights similar to those on the large Thesis saloon while the headlights incorporate an Audi-esque strip of LED running lights.

Despite Lancia's long history of rallying successes, sister company Alfa Romeo is seen as Fiat's sporting brand, leaving the Torinese firm to take up the luxury mantle. A wheelbase of 2.7 metres should guarantee good interior space, aided by a sliding rear seat. Expect the inside to be trimmed in leather and alcantara with the option of a full length GranLuce glass roof. A high-end Bose hi-fi will be fitted as standard plus the Blue&Me control system and a bespoke sat-nav developed in conjunction with Fiat subsidiary Magneti Marelli.

Having led the use of forced induction in rallying with the Delta S4, it is appropriate that the new car should be powered by a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines in a range of capacities and power output from 120bhp to 200bhp. Six-speed gearboxes will come in manual, semi-automatic and automatic flavours. Rumours of a four-wheel drive system could also mean the return of a flagship Integrale model; the original Delta remains the most successful rally car of all time. Also in the pipeline for the firm is a new Ypsilon supermini, Musa MPV and possibly a flagship model based on the Alfa 8C Competizione that could revive the legendary Aurelia name.