Even more so than the exterior, the cabin décor has been chosen to echo that of late '60s, early '70s era cars. The two-seater is minimalist in interior design, yet high on spec. It features a top-tier Bose stereo and sophisticated infotainment/navigation system integrated into a brushed aluminum center stack. The overall look is modern yet classic, the latter descriptive driven home with plenty of high-grade leather surfaces and traditional wood dash trim - highlighted by the name 'Fulvia' in original stylized script set into the dashboard. Supportive sport seats appear similar in style to those in the original, while its leather-wrapped, 3-spoke metal steering wheel is partially inspired, less the wood rim, by the first Fulvias.
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| The Fulvia concept's cabin décor has been chosen to echo that of late '60s, early '70s era cars. (Photo: Fiat) |
While interior and exterior styling is important, if it didn't drive well it couldn't pass as a true Lancia. Under the hood of the small coupe is a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter, 16 valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, there are no V4 engines planned - the configuration used in the original car.
While 140 horsepower is hardly overwhelming by today's standards, it's all the car will ever need considering its projected 1,000 kilogram curb weight. Thanks to an aluminum frame and panels, plus its low mass, the Fulvia concept reportedly is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, going on to a 215 km/h top speed. Like the original the Fulvia concept has been designed to reward the driver with nimble cornering first and foremost, its stellar fuel economy is a bonus.
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| With Fiat announcing that its Alfa Romeo division will be reentering North America in the near future, could Lancia be next? (Photo: Fiat) |
If Lancia decides to give the project the green light for production, chances are the car will be limited to two runs of 1,000 cars. Why does this matter to car buyers in North America that might never get the chance to even see a Lancia, let alone drive one? GM has strong ties to Fiat, Lancia's parent company, owning a significant portion of the Italian marque. With Fiat having announced that its Alfa Romeo division will be reentering North America within this decade, it's entirely possible that other Fiat controlled marques, such as Lancia, will find their way back across the Atlantic as well. This would be wonderful news to the many Lancia enthusiasts, still loyal to the brand.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 2-door coupe
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine (est): 140 hp, 1.8-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 6-spd manual
- Brakes (est front/rear): disc/disc (opt ABS)
- Curb Weight (est): 1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
- Web Site: www.lancia.com
