Latest Car News From DIGIADS

Latest Car News

New Car Review Areas

General Car Topics

Lancia At The 61st Frankfurt International Motor Show Review

September 2005
Filed under: LANCIA Car News | LANCIA Headlines
Three novelties from Lancia have their world première on the stage at Frankfurt: the Ypsilon MomoDesign, Musa Platino+ and Phedra Unique Edition.

2005 Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign

They are joined on the stand by the prestigious Thesis Emblema equipped with the powerful 3.2 V6 24 valve engine and the Comfortronic gearbox. Numerous novelties, presented on a welcoming, stylish stand, which is also innovative, 'translating' the brand's essential values into volumes and sensations: an 'Italian personality' seen as hospitality and warmth; heritage, seen as full awareness of, but not nostalgia for, its glorious past; technology, as an indispensable element of competitiveness on today's market, and, finally, elegance as an essential, contemporary architectural element.
The stand is built of refined, stylish materials - such as Wenghé wood and Riverstone - which 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; the stairs give access to a private upper area which offers a privileged view of the stand.

Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign.

The star of the Lancia stand is the new version of this car, which clearly conveys its assertive nature, while setting a new 'fashion'. It was developed jointly by Lancia and MomoDesign, a sort of 'symbiosis' between two brands that are famous all over the world for their Italian styling applied to technology. Both brands share a number of features that make them leaders in their respective fields: innovation in design, the use of cutting edge materials and attention to detail. So this new version of the Ypsilon highlights the sporty spirit that lies behind the entire production of MomoDesign, with its Style Centre that specialises in research and development of design. And it expresses all the refined elegance that has always distinguished Lancia cars.

Powered by the sparkling 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet turbodiesel engine, the Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign has the same dimensions and architecture as the other versions in the range, but includes a number of aesthetic and chromatic features peculiar to this version, starting with the special 'Orange' paintwork (the colour of some of the luminous inserts that decorate the stand).

Combined with this colour, the Ypsilon MomoDesign offers a special, brand new opaque metallic black paint for the tailgate (it is one of the first cars in the world to offer opaque paint), confirming the dual personality of this version, with its sporty look and innate elegance. A combination that is particularly evident inside, in the passenger compartment, that has received significant stylistic changes - for example the silk-screening of the instruments, the colours of the sports seats, the trims and the centre console have all changed - which successfully blend the sporty character typical of MomoDesign products with the clean, essential design (which in this case is particularly elegant and attractive) that lies behind the success of this model. The MomoDesign version will appeal in particular to people who appreciate a car with personality and style. And today 'Lancisti' are still distinguished by the extraordinary passion and enthusiasm that they share with the people who design, test and build Lancia cars. Lancia remains one of the few car brands that is supported by demanding fans who appreciate beauty but are also well informed where sophisticated technology is concerned. There is a common denominator that links all Lancia cars: a constant striving for innovation, combined with exclusive Italian craftsmanship. Research that is essential not only for the spirit of the brand but also for the technological progress of the car, underlined by the hundreds of patents filed, ingenious inventions, and practical ideas developed by Lancia in almost one hundred years.

Lancia Musa Platino+

The second car on display in Frankfurt continues the same tradition; the Lancia Musa Platino+ has elegant, sophisticated two-tone bodywork, with warm shades such as Stradivarius Mink on the lower part and exclusive Caravaggio Brown above. A timeless combination, reiterated delicately in the passenger compartment which echoes the colours of the body: the upholstery in Wenghé brown leather is enhanced by the special ivory overstitching and piping. The end result is a new, strong chromatic contrast that is simply irresistible. The Musa Platino+ is equipped with the sparkling 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet engine, and is the best example of the pleasure of experimenting that is part of Lancia tradition, which has produced numerous 'four-wheeled' works of art that have made a significant contribution to the development of Italian car design.

Lancia Phedra Unique Edition

As you would expect on a stand on which sophisticated technology blends with the refinement that is its hallmark, Lancia presents a unique edition of a car that concentrates attention on life on board this prestigious MPV. The Lancia Phedra Unique Edition is equipped with the best available today in terms of infotelematic devices and entertainment, an ideal solution to all the needs of a modern family: for work and leisure time, and more generally, to satisfy the dynamics of time and situations imposed by our daily movements. This is why the model is equipped with a range of safety, comfort and telematic devices that place it at the top of its class in terms of technology, inner roominess and flexibility.

Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 24v Comfortronic

And finally, the Lancia flagship is also present on the Frankfurt stand in its most prestigious outfit (Emblema), epitomising elegance and state-of-the-art technology to capture the motoring élite. This is a particular segment with a small number of models on which the most important carmakers concentrate the best that automotive engineering offers today. The Thesis on display is equipped with the powerful 3.2 24v V6 engine (maximum power output of 169 kW at 6200 rpm, and torque of 289 Nm at 4800 rpm), with which it reaches a top speed of 240 km/h, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. We should mention that a second engine was launched in 2003, a 2.4 Multijet 20v delivering 175 bhp, which is available with a five-speed automatic transmission or a manual six-speed gearbox. Two powerful, smooth engines for which the sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission was recalibrated, to guarantee 'smoother' gear changes and a significant increase in driving comfort. All the strong points of the Thesis remain firmly in place: the lavish array of standard safety equipment, the luxurious interior, which is spacious and protective, the sophisticated Connect Nav Plus info-telematic system and the seats which represent the state of the art where comfort and ergonomics are concerned.

Lancia Ypsilon Momodesign

The absolute star of the stand is the Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign which will be on the market in Italy in November, followed by the major European markets. It is a new version born from the collaboration between two brands that are famous throughout the world for having contributed to the development of Italian industrial design. Lancia and MomoDesign have created a highly personal stylistic language which makes any of their creations immediately recognisable among mass-produced products.

2005 Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign

The Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign is therefore a concrete example of how an 'automotive object' can be re-interpreted in an aesthetic key with another brand, enhancing the expressive features that have always distinguished Italian design: innovation, styling and character. The Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign shows how a 'stylistic dialogue' between two important industrial concerns can create a sort of 'symbiosis', with unexpected and highly emotional results, provided the research is performed with full respect for the product's identity

Italian Style

On the outside, the new MomoDesign version does not modify the model's great personality, proposing a number of aesthetic and chromatic changes that reflect the stylistic features of MomoDesign products. For example, in addition to the sporty non-metallic Black, the new Ypsilon can be 'dressed' with three more bodywork shades; Pearl White, Orange and Red. The biggest novelty is the opaque metallic black paint used on the roof and tailgate (standard with Orange and Red, and optional with the other two shades). A further touch of elegance comes from the metalluro finish of certain elements, from the door handles to the tailgate trim, the identification logo and the grille frame. And finally, the 15" alloy wheels and the 'MomoDesign' plate on the centre pillar.

The styling changes on the inside of the car are more evident, involving the facia, the door panels, the rear side seat panels and the squab rear, which are now upholstered with special Silver Moor leathercloth, with metallic silver embossing. The essential clean lines of the passenger compartment maintain the customary elegance and refinement, but add that touch of assertiveness that one expects from a Lancia. Suffice it to mention the numerous metalluro elements that make the interior even richer: from the centre console to the frame of the gear lever, the air vents, trims and door handles.

The new Ypsilon MomoDesign also features seats with a new design and new colours (orange, red and silver) that perfectly match the bodywork and are enhanced by contrasting silver overstitching. The car's equipment is completed by a leather steering wheel and gear lever knob decorated with perforated leather or silver over-stitching, and new graphics for the instruments in opaque silver set off by red pointers.

Performance and enjoyable driving

People who enjoy driving, will find that the Ypsilon MomoDesign is a compact car that performs brilliantly on any road, providing plenty of entertainment for the driver. The merit goes partly to the sparkling 1.3 Multijet engine which combines with the 5-speed manual gearbox, to develop a maximum power output of 70 bhp (51 kW) at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 180 Nm (18.4 kgm) at 1750 rpm. With this equipment, the car has a top speed of 165 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 15 seconds, but is very sparing on fuel: on the combined cycle it consumes just 4.6 l/100 km. The MomoDesign version will be offered with a choice of three engines: the 60 bhp 1.2 8v, the 80 bhp 1.2 16v and the 95 bhp 1.4 16v.

The equipment and safety of a 'small flagship'

The Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign embodies original styling and excellent performance, plus lavish equipment, as we can see on the car presented at the Frankfurt Show: dual zone climate control (optional), 'Dual Drive' electrical power steering, a radio with CD and MP3 player (optional), remote control door release, Follow me home, and a steering wheel and gear lever knob upholstered with perforated leather with silver overstitching. On the outside, the car is equipped with 16" alloys (which are optional, the standard rims are 15"), foglights and optional twin, colour coded electric door mirrors.

The safety features on the Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign fear no comparison: standard equipment includes ABS complete with EBD and 4 airbags, while the sophisticated ESP system is optional. This lavish equipment is completed by electrical front windows, a rear seat that folds down and away, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and height and reach adjustment on the steering wheel. The car on show in Frankfurt also features a number of options from the wide range of items that the more discerning customer can choose: from the Bose Hi-Fi system to Cruise Control, and steering wheel mounted radio controls.

All the strong points of the Ypsilon

The new Ypsilon MomoDesign reiterates the great versatility of this 'pocket flagship'. It is no coincidence that since its launch, the range has been constantly extended by new versions, many of which have focused on colour, which has always been one of the model's distinctive traits. In fact colour is not just an aesthetic aspect on the Ypsilon, but an integral part of a product philosophy that focuses on elegance, glamour, personality, play, panache, style and the wide choice of customisation options. This is borne out by the three versions of the Ypsilon b-colore - cars which have become real fashion items - or the 'Vintage' pair: one 'dressed' in Sibilla pink and the other in Casanova light blue. And today it is the turn of the new MomoDesign version.

So, whatever your choice, the Lancia Ypsilon is the ideal car for a sophisticated clientele that is always looking for unique products. The model has enjoyed success among the public and critics since its launch, being awarded the 'European Automotive Design Award' in Brussels, the 'Car I prefer 2004' title by the readers of Quattroruote, and that of the 'Most beautiful car in the world' title, by a jury of design experts.

Styling

Important successes that reward the car's original styling, and reflect modern trends that demand soft, sensual styling. The interior greets passengers and driver in an environment that is welcoming and communicative, but also functional, modern, and extremely comfortable. These sensations are heightened by the care that goes into every detail, the quality materials used, worthy of a luxury car, and the refined, elegant colour combinations between the exterior paintwork and the interior upholstery. Unique features for a car from this segment, which make the 'Ypsilon' logo a designer label.

Engineering

The Lancia Ypsilon proposes the best that modern engineering has to offer where engines and transmissions are concerned. Of course, the car'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 dweller'. 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 are available with either a manual gearbox or a sequential robotised unit nicknamed 'Dolce Far Niente'.

Range

And finally, it is not exaggerated to say that everyone will find the Lancia Ypsilon that meets his needs and tastes. The new family comes in five different specifications (Ypsilon, Argento, MomoDesign, 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 fewer than 555 ways of customising this 'pocket flagship': by combining the eleven body colours, six different types of upholstery (in eight different shades) and five types of alloy wheels (including those from Lineaccessori). Plus the 'b-colore' and 'vintage' options that enhance the elegance and refinement of this winning model. 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. And today the Ypsilon range becomes even more comprehensive with the debut of the new Ypsilon MomoDesign.

Lancia Musa Platino+

Elegance, refinement and originality: these are the words that link the harmony of forms with attention to detail. This was the inspiration behind the Lancia Musa Platino+, a new version that adds new internal and external features to the prestigious standard features of the richest specification (Platino). The Lancia Musa Platino+ will be on the market at the end of the year, with the powerful 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet or the new 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet engine, combined with the DFN transmission.

2005 Lancia Musa Platino+

Refined styling

On the outside, the new version stands out for the bodywork colours, which are the most elegant in the range (Rossini Grey, Vasari Pearl, Angelico Light blue and Stradivarius Mink), but above all for the exclusive option of twin-tone bodywork, with the roof, pillars and tailgate painted a stylish metallic brown - a touch of originality and class that sets off the clean, harmonious exterior line perfectly.

A car from the 'b-colore' family is on display in Frankfurt, sporting Stradivarius Mink combined with Caravaggio Brown, an elegant, timeless combination that is reiterated in the lovely interior. This is decorated with the refinement and exclusiveness that are synonymous with the best Lancia tradition; a stylish lounge upholstered in leather (available in ivory or brown) on the seats and the door panels, finished with contrasting piping and overstitching, with the Musa logo on the head-restraint. The pattern on the piping is repeated on the leather armrests on the door panels.

Excellent performance

The version displayed at the Frankfurt show is equipped with the powerful, elastic 1.9 Multijet engine that delivers a maximum power output of 100 bhp (74 kW) at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 260 Nm (26.4 kgm) at 1750 rpm.

Combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox, this engine takes the Lancia Musa Platino+ to a top speed of 179 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds. However, fuel consumption remains an excellent 5.5 l/100 km on the combined cycle. The real novelty is the other engine on offer: the new 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet with a variable geometry turbo. This engine has a superb specific power for its class (72 bhp/litre), and is available with the 'Dolce Far Niente' sequential robotised gearbox, which guarantees the best balance between performance and consumption in the entire Musa range. Performance is superior to that of the 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet, but it is no less environment friendly: the engine meets the Euro 4 limits and guarantees CO2 emissions that are 4% lower than those of the 70 bhp 1.3. With this engine the Musa Platino+ has a top speed of 173 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.8 seconds.

Exclusive equipment

The standard equipment on the Platino+ specification is exclusive and includes: dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite navigator with maps and pictograms complete with CD player and a GSM hands-free telephone, leather steering wheel, 4 airbags, parking sensors, GranLuce sunroof and two-tone alloy wheels. Plus remote control door release, Follow me home, 'Dual Drive' electric power steering, ABS with EBD, foglights, electric front and rear window controls, and heated electric door mirrors painted the same shade as the bodywork.

This level of equipment can have no rivals. The new Musa Platino+ guarantees outstanding comfort, thanks to a steering wheel that adjusts for height and for reach, and to comfortable seats: the rear seat slides, folds down, tilts and splits, and is complete with 3 head-restraints and a removable armrest; the front seats fold into a table and the driver's seat adjusts for height. Other features worthy of a higher segment are available on request, including steering wheel mounted radio controls, front armrests and lumbar adjustment of the front seats, Cruise Control, sidebags, two-tone paintwork and the Bose Hi-Fi system.

The trump cards of the Musa

The new Lancia Musa Platino+ obviously confirms all the winning characteristics of this model which is enjoying great success on the market. The Lancia Musa is the outcome of the concept of 'Italian hospitality', in which we are guests and not passengers, and it invites us to share the pleasure of travelling in a car that is unique in its segment. It is certainly a luxury product, but it never overdoes it because it was designed to reflect the wishes of people who like to enjoy life without forgoing practicalities. The Lancia Musa introduces the secrets of Italian hospitality to the car world; it is a car that welcomes its guests with good taste, warmth and generosity.

The Lancia Musa conveys good taste in its refined, harmonious lines, elegantly matching warm colours, precious details and quality materials. Its size is just as suitable around town or on long journeys: 3.98 metres long, 1.70 metres wide and 1.66 metres high, setting new standards in this particular compact car bracket. The Lancia Musa conveys warmth in the sensations it offers its guests: the luminosity of the 'GranLuce' sunroof and the airy interior, the pleasant surfaces and the enveloping comfort of the ergonomic seats. The dual zone climate system and Bose Sound System® (typical equipment on a Lancia) make the interior space particularly enjoyable, and one that you dominate better thanks to the raised driving position, the ergonomic controls and the versatile seats, which can be moved into 32 different positions (including an unusual 'chaise longue' configuration).

The Lancia Musa conveys generosity with its technological features: engines that guarantee excellent performance, for relaxed, carefree driving. Three Multijet diesel units: the round, elastic 100 bhp 1.9, ideal in any situation and the 70 bhp and 90 bhp 1.3, which are perfect for the town, combined with the 'Dolce Far Niente' robotised sequential transmission. Motorists who travel shorter distances will enjoy the sparkling 95 bhp 1.4 Fire engine.

Lancia Phedra Unique Edition

Another important novelty makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show: the Lancia Phedra Unique Edition. An expression of the Italian art of living, the model has a hushed interior, which is pleasant to look at and to touch; great care has gone into every detail and the effect is one of an ambience designed for enjoyable social relations. It is equipped with a range of safety, comfort and telematic devices that place it at the top of its class.

2005 Lancia Phedra Unique Edition

Sophisticated technology for maximum travelling comfort

The Unique Edition version exhibited in Frankfurt features exclusive equipment that creates a real multimedia centre, the ideal car for professional people, which is particularly enjoyable to travel in with family or friends. For example, the small table in the centre between the two rows of seats contains a minifridge and computer shelf, both with a 12V socket connection. The two swivelling front seats both have electrical controls, and the driver's seat has two memories and heating (all the seats are upholstered with Hide coloured leather with elegantly contrasting stitching). That is not all. Two screens are built into the backs of the front seats, to project DVDs or terrestrial digital TV. This car is obviously equipped with the sophisticated Connect Nav Plus system, which includes a satellite navigation system with maps and pictograms, and a built-in hands-free GPS telephone, complete with access to the dedicated bConnect services.

Exclusive styling and powerful engines

The elegant Lancia Phedra Unique Edition stands out for its specific 16" alloy wheels and above all for the original Rossini Grey bodywork. This is one of the two new colours available from this year (the other is Brunelleschi Pearl, a light, warm sophisticated pearly colour) which blends perfectly with the elegant Hide Alcantara on the facia and door panels, enhanced by Wenghé and aluminium inserts, and the refined, exclusive floor, also in Wenghé wood.

But the Phedra Unique Edition is not only a question of styling; it also features a powerful, sparkling engine which is particularly enjoyable to drive: the 204 bhp 3.0 V6 24v, complete with a sophisticated self-adaptive sequential automatic gearbox. Performance is excellent (a top speed above 200 km/h and 0-100 km acceleration in 10.2 seconds), the quietness of a 6-cylinder engine, smooth operation and strong acceleration guaranteed by generous torque (285 Nm at 3750 rpm), superb comfort and enjoyable driving.

This performance is the result of an innovative automatic gearbox with three operating logics. First of all, the device has a 'self-adaptive' programme with electronic management that enables the gearbox to adapt to the driver's style, the road profile and the vehicle load. All this translates into smooth, precise gear changes, good performance, lower consumption and the comfort of the engine brake. A conventional automatic transmission changes up when the car accelerates, even if the car is travelling downhill, while the self-adaptive device 'detects' the position of the accelerator, and if the pedal is not depressed it holds the same speed. When road grip is poor, it is possible to switch to 'snow' mode, which favours a higher gear ratio to maximise grip. The third mode is the 'sequential' function: the driver selects the gear ratio from the four available using the selector lever as a joystick (impulse forward to change up, backward to change down).

Prestigious features

The Lancia Phedra Unique Edition is lavishly equipped: multi-zone automatic climate control which adjusts the air flow for the second and third rows of seats, Cruise Control, rain, parking and dusk sensors, headlight washer/wipers and electrically sliding side doors. But also automatic headlights, electro-chromic rear-view mirror, a childwatch mirror, a radio with CD player (8 speakers) and a CD changer.

'5 stars' for safety

Plenty of comfort, stylistic refinement and prestigious features. The Lancia Phedra Unique Edition combines these features with the 5 star EuroNCAP rating awarded to the model in 2004, thus recognising its position at the top of its class for safety. This is a prestigious result obtained thanks to six airbags which are standard equipment (curtain bags on the 3 rows of seats), ABS complete with EBD, the ASR anti-slip device, ESP electronic dynamic stability control, the MSR system that prevents any loss of grip and MBA which simplifies emergency braking. Plus Xenon headlights, a tyre pressure sensor, and automatic windscreen wipers and headlights. And we should also mention the care and attention that the Phedra pays to younger passengers: from Isofix seat attachments to a childwatch mirror, electric deadlocks on the doors and anti-pinch sensors on the windows.

Latest LANCIA Headlines

Latest Car News

All images courtesy of and copyright their respective manufacturers, unless otherwise indicated. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any way without the express written permission of their respective owners. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Model news and specifications are presented as provided by manufacturer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DIGIADS. No warranty is made by DIGIADS with respect to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.
Copyright © 2000-2024 DIGIADS Australia All Rights Reserved. Contact Us
Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the DIGIADS Privacy Policy and User Agreement. 		Loading...