Lancia's last big litter

With him Lancia rose again to international size - and with him the Italian noble manufacturer said goodbye to the nirvana of past brands. The compact Delta united in three generations everything Lancia once stood for: technical ingenuity, luxurious sophistication and sporty superiority

From profano to genialo

Lancia has been out of Italy's history for two years now, a development that seemed almost as unimaginable in the fall of 1979 as if Ferrari disappeared. Back then, Lancia presented the Delta and thus a car that embodied everything that has always characterized the fascination of Italian vehicles: exciting technology, elegant design and stylish luxury in the interior. So that the fans of sporty models also got their money's worth, Lancia made with the delta in rallying finally a myth: The profit of no less than six consecutive World Championships in the years 1987 to 1992 is still considered to be hard to beat. Although the Delta shared technical components with the profane Fiat Ritmo, it was the first five-door compact-class model to reach all the esthete, creative and successful people who would not be satisfied with a Fiat or VW Golf. Especially since star designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who had previously brought the Golf I in shape, managed the feat of drawing the Delta in equally simple and timeless edgy elegance. The compact Lancia set two records in its brand history in the first generation: With 16 years, the Delta achieved the longest production time of all Lancia models and, with more than half a million units produced, the highest edition above the small city runabouts.

Fresh capital for fresh cars

Technique at its best, regardless of the cost and this even in the compact class, that was what Lancia stood for and what was the 1906 founded by Vincenzo Lancia Turin Edelfabrik several times the doom. Really a lot of money have genius Italians namely clearly too rare. Even in the 1960 years with progressive Lancia successors such as Flavia and Fulvia, the cash position remained so clammy that Fiat 1969 had to take over the ailing brand. With the fresh capital of the Turin giant and the resulting model development Stratos, Beta, Gamma, but especially the compact delta Lancia rose in the 1970er years again to global size - as Fiat boss Giovanni Agnelli for his fresh ins Imperium integrated fine subsidiary brand had wanted.

Beta, Gamma, Giugiaro

If the successes of Beta and Gamma were reduced by certain deficits in production costs, quality and functionality, Lancia finally wanted to do everything right with the Delta. For the first time, the traditional manufacturer did not commit the old designer Pininfarina or the house stylist Castagnero, but Giugiaro's company Italdesign, which had already put Volkswagen, Hyundai and other brands on the road to success in the 1970s. The Lancia shared the base group (but extended) and base engines with its group colleague Fiat Ritmo, and a first development cooperation with Saab, which later resulted in the Lancia Thema / Saab 9000 joint project, was also to guarantee reliability. There were only two preliminary failures: The Delta had a maximum output of 63 kW / 85 PS and was therefore no more than Golf, Ritmo or Alfasud, but was priced in like larger middle-class models. And the product quality of the models initially manufactured in the old Fiat Lingotto plant was so modest that the Swedes left the Saab clone Lancia 600 in the shop straight away.

From the GTI Hunter to the Rally Champ

All this changed with the relocation of production to the modern Chivasso plant and a performance explosion under the dome of the Delta, something that the compact class had not experienced before. It was initially the 96 kW / 130 PS strong Delta 1.6 HF, which became the Golf GTI fighter from 1983, came 1985 mid-engine striker Delta S4 with 184 kW / 250 PS as a street version of the Group B rally cars. These 353 kW / 480 horsepower runners inherited the long-running rally titans Lancia Stratos and 037 Rally and culminated in 1987's 441 kW / 600 PS-fueling Delta ECV before the FIA ​​stopped the WRC performance race.

WRC-basement

Lancia did not let it stop, however, because the 1986 launched road model Delta HF 4WD with four-wheel drive provided the basis for cars, from which almost unbeatable WRC World Champions were formed. Delta HF Integrale called itself the WRC bullet on which the World Rally Champions rode to 1992, guaranteeing supercar characteristics for two more years on the road.

From the rally spirit to the GT

At this time, the Lancia dealer's showroom was already the second generation of the compact bestseller, which now shared technical components with the Fiat Tipo and the Lancia Dedra. The now forgotten Dedra succeeded at the time as a very successful successor to the Lancia Prisma, a 1982 presented notchback variant of the Delta. In fact, in the 1990 years, motorsport was no longer the field of Lancia, instead, comfort and the luxury of Gran Turismo models should be written larger. In addition there was the new Delta from 1995 as three-door HPE, which quoted the idea of ​​the avant-garde Shooting Brake Beta HPE. With moderate success, because as well as the five-door delta of that decade, the HPE seemed indeed complacent, but the fans to rave to raptures, the compact Lancia could not. Too decent was her appearance in the now incredibly densely occupied compact class. After all, Lancia was able to sell around 140.000 units from the second delta until the turn of the millennium.

A new beginning 2008

The third Delta generation, which made its debut in 2008 for the 100th birthday of the first production Lancia, did everything differently. Almost 80 percent of all Lancia were last sold in Italy and the noble brand had withdrawn from many of the once important export markets. A development that the nuova Delta was supposed to reverse, which is why it took on the leading automotive role in the global cinema blockbuster "Illuminati" at the same time as the market launch. Even North America was now back in Lancia’s markets, thanks to the new Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group. A coup, which in the end accelerated the downfall of Lancia, because the Delta was sold in not a few markets with a Chrysler grill. "Design reveals the inner essence of a thing", Vincenzo Lancia once said and the final Delta confirmed the ingenious brand founder with extroverted crossover shapes, a feel-good interior in the style of the Alta Moda and generous dimensions that ignored the handy format of the usual compacts. Lancia left the sporty driving dynamics to the others. Perhaps the only compact car, the 4,52-meter-long five-door model qualified as a chauffeur limousine, which ensured an astonishing distribution among Italian authorities and ministries. Luxury and noblesse were of no use in the end, however, the Lancia Delta became a slow seller outside of its home market and so what had to happen happened in 2014: First the Delta said Arrivederci and soon afterwards Lancia.

Timeline:

1972: Production shutdown for the compact four-door Lancia Fulvia sedan, succeeding the model Beta and seven years later the Lancia Delta compete
1974: At Lancia begins the development of the Y5 project, which later emerged from the Lancia Delta. The bottom group and engines share the Delta initially with the Fiat Ritmo, however, the Lancia has a larger wheelbase and the rear independent suspension of the Delta is similar to the designs of Lancia Beta and Gamma
1977: Giorgetto Giugario presents the already close-to-concept concept car Delta, Giugiaro was inspired by the Maserati Medici from his pen
1979: At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the Lancia Delta 1300 and 1500 (internal 831) will be celebrating their world premiere in September
1980: sales start in Germany. Awarded the Media Prize "Car of the Year 1980". In Scandinavia, the distribution takes place as Saab 600 and as Saab-Lancia 600
1982: First model update for the Lancia Delta. Available from April are the more luxurious versions Delta 1.3 LX, 1.5 LX and 1.5 Automatic. In November, the LX versions will be replaced by the Delta 1.6 GT with a more powerful engine (the optical feature is the grill in matt black instead of chrome trim). In December, the notchback version of the Delta, the Lancia Prisma, also designed by Giugario, celebrates its world premiere. Production shutdown for Saab 600 and Saab-Lancia 600 due to lack of demand and quality issues criticized by Scandinavian customers. Instead, the distribution of the Lancia Delta now also starts in Scandinavia via the Fiat dealer network
1983: Launch of the Lancia Delta 1.6 Turbo HF and 1.6 Turbo HF Martini versions. The new turbo technology replaces the previously used at Lancia Volumex compressors (Rally, Trevi, Beta Coupe and HPE)
1985: Presentation of the Lancia Delta S200 Stradale limited to 4 units, a road version of the WRC car produced for homologation purposes   
1986: Specially for Greece until 1990 the Delta 1.1 is produced with 64 PS performance. Model maintenance for all Delta, recognizable by new instrument panel, other seats and modified bumpers. From March, the 1,6-liter version with petrol injection and regulated three-way catalyst will be available. Presentation of the Delta HF 4WD with all-wheel drive and special front design with twin headlights (available 1986-1987). Introduction of the Delta 1.9 turbo diesel S. The Lancia Delta S4 develops in the first season to the high flyer in class B of the European Rally Championship and World Cup with a total of 15 victories
1987: At the Frankfurt Motor Show the Delta HF celebrates Integral World Premiere, a further development of the Delta HF 4WD. Prototypes of the ECV and ECV2 (1988) (Experimental Composite Vehicle) with a carbon composite chassis and up to 600 PS performance will be presented as successors to the Delta S4. As a Group A rally car, the HF HF 4WD will be launched. Lancia wins the Rally World Championship title in the Constructors 'Championship and the Drivers' Championship (Kankkunen / Piironen) as well as winning the title in Group N (with Fiorio / Pirolli), as well as European title (with Cerrato / Cerri)   
1988: Lancia Delta 1.6 ie Turbo HF is available with regulated catalyst. Lancia will become World Rally Champion in the Constructors 'Championship (Delta HF Integrale, Group A) and in the Drivers' Championship (Miki Biasion). In addition Lancia brings the rallye European title (with Fabrizio Tabaton)
1989: In May, Lancia HF Integrale 16V and HF Integrale 8V Kat. Lancia is rally world champion in the Constructors 'Championship (Delta HF Integrale, from the Sanremo Rally as HF Integrale 16V, Group A) and in the drivers' standings (Miki Biasion), also Lancia secures the European Rally Championship (with Yves Loubet)  
1990: Rally World Champion title in Constructors' Championship (Delta HF Integrale 16V, Group A) and European title (with Robert Droogmans) for Lancia
1991: In June, the Lancia Delta receives the last facelift with modified front and side skirts in body color. Lancia is once again rally world champion in Constructors 'Championship (Delta HF Integrale 16V Evoluzione, Group A) and in the drivers' championship (Juha Kankkunen) and wins the European title (with Piero Liatti)  
1992: New are the special models Lancia Delta 16V HF Integrale 5 (January), 16V SSN (Special Numbered Series, from July), 16V HF Integrale 6 (November). Once again, Lancia will become World Rally Champion in the Constructors' Championship (Delta HF Integrale 16V Evoluzione, Group A). Lancia officially retired 1991 from the World Rally Championship, but continues to support the Martini Racing and Jolly Club teams
1993: At the Geneva Motor Show, the second generation of the Lancia Delta (Type 836) is celebrating its world premiere, initially as a five-door model
1994: In September, the 1.9 turbo diesel complements the engine range of the second generation Delta. Production phasing out Lancia Delta HF integrals of the first Delta generation. Production volume of the first delta generation of 1979-1994 in total 478.645 units, with 42.069 Delta 4D integrals
1995: In March, the three-door Lancia Delta HPE celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show
1996: Model maintenance and modified engines for the Delta from January
2000: The second generation of the Lancia Delta is entering its last year. At the Paris Salon, Nea's study shows how a third generation Delta could look like. The production volume of the second delta generation (1993-2000) is a total of 138.980 units
2003: The Granturismo Stilnovo study by Lancia Centro Stile gives a preview of the new Delta expected for 2006 at the Barcelona Motor Show. In fact, the study already shows significant lines of the third generation Delta, even if this only debuts 2008
2006: On the 63. At the Venice International Film Festival, Lancia unveils the Delta HPE Concept, a near-series study of the new Delta
2008: World premiere for the third Delta generation at the Geneva Motor Show. The market launch is accompanied by the film debut of the Lancia Delta in the international box office hit "Illuminati"
2010: The Lancia Delta debuts with Chrysler brand insignia at the Detroit Motor Show. In fact, the Delta is being sold in many markets with the Chrysler logo, including the UK, one of the most important Lancia markets
2011: Facelift for the Delta, recognizable by the new cross rib radiator grille. The Delta Executive serves as a service vehicle for political officials in Italy
2014: For the model year 2014, the delta is only available in many markets with diesel engines and at the end of the year the marketing of the delta is completely discontinued. In Germany, a total of 2014 Lancia Delta third generation was newly registered until 4.248
2016: Sale of Lancia in Germany
2019: Lancia distributes only the model Ypsilon on the Italian home market. The 50. Anniversary of the Delta pay tribute to the Lancia clubs

Lancia Delta Model Overview:

Lancia Delta, 1. Generation 1979-1994, five-door compact class sedan (Delta) or two-door sedan with monocoque and mid-engine (Delta S4); Length 3,89 meters or 4,00 meters (Delta S4), width 1,62 meters or 1,80 meters (Delta S4), height 1,38 meters or 1,40 meters (Delta S4). Engines: 1,1-liter petrol engine (47 kW / 64 PS), 1,3-liter petrol engine (55 kW / 75 PS or 57 kW / 78 PS), 1,5-liter petrol engine (63 kW / 85 PS or 59 kW / 80 PS), 1,6-liter petrol engine (66 kW / 90 PS or 77 kW / 105 PS or 80 kW / 109 PS or 96 kW / 130 PS or 97 kW / 132 PS or 103 kW / 140 PS), 1,8-liter petrol engine (184 kW / 250 PS in the Delta S4 Stradale or 353 kW / 480 PS in the Delta S4 Rallye, Group B or 441 kW / 600 PS in the Delta ECV and ECV2), 2,0-liter petrol engine (122 kW / 166 PS or 130 kW / 177 PS or 133 kW / 181 PS or 144 kW / 196 PS or 155 kW / 211 PS or 195 kW / 265 PS as HF 4WD Rallye, Group A or 206 kW / 280 PS as HF Integrale Rallye, Group A or 221 kW / 300 PS as HF Integrale 16V Rallye, Group A), 1,9-liter turbodiesel ( 59 kW / 80 PS).

Lancia Delta, 2. Generation 1993-2000, three-door compact sedan (Delta HPE) or five-door compact sedan (Delta); Length 4,01 meters, width 1,70 meters, height 1,40-1,43 meters. Engines: 1,6-liter petrol engine (55 kW / 75 PS), 1,8-liter petrol engine (76 kW / 103 PS), 2,0-liter petrol engine (96 kW / 131 PS or 102 kW / 139 PS or 137 kW / 186 PS as Turbo 16V HF), 1,9-liter turbodiesel (66 kW / 90 PS).

Lancia Delta, 3. Generation 2008-2014; five-door sedan between compact and middle class; Length 4,52 meters, width 1,80 meters, height 1,50 meters. Engines: 1,4-liter gasoline engine (88 kW / 120 PS or 103 kW / 140 PS or 110 kW / 150 PS), 1,8-liter gasoline engine (147 kW / 200 PS), 1,6-liter diesel (77 kW / 105 PS or 88 kW / 120 PS), 1,9-liter diesel (140 kW / 190 PS), 2,0-liter diesel (121 kW / 165 PS).