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Lancia Ypsilon Sport Concept 2005
Ypsilon Sport Concept
Geneva 2005
Sportiness and technology as Lancia sees them
Lancia revives the custom of holding the world previews of its new products in Geneva. After the Thesis in 2001, the Phedra in 2002, the Ypsilon in 2003 and the Musa in 2004, today it is the turn of the Ypsilon Sport, a concept car developed jointly with Zagato, the famous Milan Style Centre, that has 'dressed' numerous Lancias in the past.
An expression of power and sportiness, the new car marks Lancia's return to a field in which it has always been a leading player, writing important pages of motoring history. This is why the stand for the Geneva Motor Show returns to the themes of sportiness and technology, which it interprets alongside the concepts of Italian elegance and hospitality: the distinguishing features that have always been part of the Lancia heritage. As a result, we can divide the Lancia stand into two different areas: on one side, the world of the two-tone cars that epitomise the brand's traditional elegance; and on the other the technical excellence and performance represented by the current range and by the Ypsilon Sport.
In both areas, refined, stylish materials, such as walnut wood, marble and Wenghe wood, convey an elegant, sophisticated luxury that is never overstated. The whole setting is made more 'technological' and projected into the future by two large LED screens which cover part of the Lancia building. The new structure is built on two levels, both of which are visible because the cube that extends over the stand is transparent: on the ground floor is the Lancia boutique, which has been left visible from outside so as to capture people's attention with items of pure Italian class, and the Water Bar where visitors can quench their thirst, choosing from a range of over fifty types of bottled water. The stairs give access to a private upper area which offers a view of the stand and particularly of the car designed by Zagato.
The Ypsilon Sport prototype is the centre of attraction of the display; it stands on a circular glass and metal pedestal, an object of great visual impact that exudes technology. The two themes expressed in the display area are in fact 'sportiness' and 'technology', embodied in the glass case containing the 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet engine, a true revolution in the engine world. Four cars, representing the entire Lancia range, are displayed on the marble floor: they all have black paintwork, a sporty but elegant colour that sets off the original 'livery' of the Ypsilon Sport.
Next to the Musa we find the other star of the stand, the Lancia Ypsilon, exhibited in its more lavish specification (Platino) and powered by the brilliant 95 bhp 1.4 Fire engine. After a year of success with the public and the critics - during which it has been awarded the 'European Automotive Design Award' in Brussels, the 'Car I prefer in 2004' title by the readers of Quattroruote and that of the 'Most beautiful car in the world' by a jury of design experts - the Lancia Ypsilon confirms that it is the ideal car for a sophisticated clientele, always looking for unique products. This clientele is immediately attracted to the model by its original styling which is perfectly in line with those modern design trends that favour a softer, more sensual line. The interior greets passengers and driver in a welcoming environment, but the passenger compartment is also functional and modern, guaranteeing the utmost comfort at all times.
Sensations that are enhanced by the great care that goes into every detail, the luxurious materials used, worthy of a luxury car, and the refined, elegant colour combinations between the shades of the bodywork and the upholstery. Unique features for a car from this segment. Even the 'Ypsilon' logo is a designer signature.
From the styling to the mechanicals. The Lancia Ypsilon proposes the best that modern engineering can offer where engines and transmissions are concerned. Of course, the model's great on-road characteristics, its predictable behaviour and easy, enjoyable driving are also due to the performance of a 'power pack' that is on the cutting edge for a city car. There is a choice of four engines. The first two are the tried and tested 60 bhp 1.2 and 80 bhp 1.2 16v, which deliver outstanding torque and smooth running in spite of a relatively small size. The other two are: the brilliant 95 bhp 1.4 16v and the revolutionary 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet, both of which can be combined with a manual gearbox or a sequential robotised device known as the 'Dolce Far Niente'.
And finally, it is not exaggerated to say that everyone will find the Lancia Ypsilon to meet his needs and tastes. The new family comes in four different specifications (Ypsilon, Argento, Oro and Platino) and it is one of the most comprehensive in this segment. This is partly due to the fact that there are no less than 555 ways of customising this 'pocket flagship': by combining eleven body colours, six different types of upholstery (in eight different shades) and five types of alloy wheels (including those from the Lineaccessori). Whatever your choice and the level of customisation you prefer, the Lancia Ypsilon is always fascinating and original, personifying Italian good taste that is famous the world over.
