Italian Brand Lancia to Revive Legendary Delta Nameplate for 2007

Currently, Lancia's lineup consists of six cars, most of which are slightly reworked and heavily restyled versions of Fiat or

One critical gap in the Lancia range is a family-friendly compact hatchback. (Photo: Artist's Rendering)

Alfa Romeo products. The lineup has been fairly effective, and covers the main grounds including a subcompact city car, midsize sedan, luxury sedan, minivan and mini-MPV (mini-minivan). One critical gap in the range is a family-friendly compact hatchback, the biggest sector in the European automotive market. This Golf-sized hole in the model range will be filled by the upcoming Delta.

These computer-generated images are a depiction of what is believed to be the next generation Delta. The car draws heavily from 2003's Granturismo Stilnovo concept (see Lancia within the concept or prototype section of this website), a product of Lancia's Centro Stile design studio. It is expected to retain the five-sided grille with inset, darkened "t" shaped logo, wide-eyed headlamps and tapered, sloping roofline. Many of these features can be found on

The attractive Delta will most likely appear in five-door hatchback form first, although there is potential for a three-door version. (Photo: Artist's Rendering)

newer Lancias, the Delta further strengthening the identity of this special corporate face.

With a sloping roofline, which peaks behind the front pillars, the Delta's shape is sporty and coupe-like. It trails down into a hatchback, offset on both sides by waterfall fenders, and daring curved tail lamps. The car's liftgate plays a clever optical trick: its blackout frame creates the illusion of a large rear window, while in actuality, it is quite small. This contrasts with the rising window line of the side doors, which decrease in height down the length of the car. The attractive Delta will most likely appear in five-door hatchback form first, although there is potential for a three-door version.