Italian Brand Lancia to Revive Legendary Delta Nameplate for 2007

The next generation Delta will be based on an adapted version of the all-new Alfa Romeo 159/Brera platform. The "Premium Platform",

The next generation Delta will be based on an adapted version of the all-new Alfa Romeo 159/Brera platform. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

which was to be shared with Saab, will be adapted with a shortened length, and most likely 200 mm (7.9 inches) off the 2,700 mm-long (106.3 inch-long) wheelbase, to form the more compact Delta. It will utilize the 159's four-wheel independent suspension layout, as well as the option of using Alfa's Torsen-based Q4 all-wheel drive system, as seen on the current 156-based Crosswagon Q4 and Sportwagon Q4.

It's expected that a handful of different Fiat-Alfa Romeo-sourced engines will be used for the Delta. The list will undoubtedly include the 160-hp 1.9L and 195-hp 2.2L gasoline direct injection JTS inline fours, and some of Fiat's fantastic JTD common rail turbodiesel motors, which are amongst the most refined and most powerful diesel engines available today.

The possibility of the Q4 all-wheel drive system means that there is more than a good chance that this will be the generation in which the Integrale rally car returns. Expect power to come from either a high-pressure turbocharged variant of the 2.2-litre JTS gasoline engine, or from a naturally-aspirated V6.

The estimated time of arrival for the Delta is 2007, with a performance version following by year's end, a quick turnaround for

While Lancia enthusiasts should be glad to know that a Delta is in the works, it's unlikely that the brand will expand outside of its sales market which consists mostly of Western Europe. (Photo: Artist's Rendering)

such a critical vehicle. While Lancia enthusiasts should be glad to know that a Delta is in the works, it's unlikely that the brand will expand outside of its sales market which consists mostly of Western Europe - at least not for the foreseeable future.

Even though the car would be perfectly suited to North American tastes, with its swoopy styling, luxurious accommodations and high-performance pedigree, look instead for the next-generation compact Alfa Romeo hatch to arrive in North America. Alfa crosses the Atlantic in 2007, complete with the JTS and JTD engines, now that sulphur levels in gasoline and diesel fuels are soon to drop.