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01 Oct 1997
Lancia Delta and Delta HPE '98
These updates follow what has now become a consolidated Brand strategy - extending the range with new versions to meet the specific requirements of different customers more and more closely, fitting those vehicles already on the market with new technical solutions as soon as they become available and continually adapting the style of our cars to the tastes of our customers.
Just eight months on from its launch, the range was extended with the 2.0 HF turbo model. This was followed by the Lancia Delta turbodiesel in June, the following year. Then, less than 12 months later in April '95, both were joined by the HPE three-door versions - high-performance vehicles intended for the top of their segment.
The most recent change came in 1996, when the range was enhanced with new, higher-performing engines that simultaneously achieved low fuel consumption and running costs. Five engines were offered, a 16v 1.6 petrol (103 bhp), 16v 1.8 petrol (113 bhp), 16v 1.8 petrol VVT (variable valve timing) (130 bhp), 16v 2.0 turbo petrol (186 bhp) and a 1.9 turbodiesel (90 bhp).
The 1998 Lancia Delta range - on sale in Italy from the 8th of November - advances the stylistic refinements embarked on last year, presenting vehicles which remain largely unchanged in their overall line and form, but have a more modern, refined style. The new developments, which are clear at a glance, regard the outside above all. Every body component is in the same colour as the vehicle, from the front and rear bumpers to the side mouldings, roof strips and rear number plate holder. The colour range is also new, and brings new colour/fabric combinations. The interiors are enhanced by high quality materials combined with extended standard and optional equipment.
The rationalised new range now offers two versions, the Lancia Delta and Lancia Delta HPE, each distinguished not only by its strong character but by its own individual trim level too. The 5 door models are now known as LS and offer a very similar level of trim and equipment to the previous LX, focusing on elegance and comfort as their distinctive elements. The sporting soul of the Brand, on the other hand, is embodied in the HPE version (which also includes the HF), now distinguished by a more vigorous style that strongly complements the power of its engines. The changes on the HPE version centre in particular on the 1.6, intended above all for the young and young at heart, and on the 2.0 HF, the "flagship" of the model.
The choice of engines offered has also been rationalised, with three for the Lancia Delta and four for the Delta HPE:
Style and personality
The Lancia Delta 5-door LS again confirms its reputation as a superb two-box saloon where maximum attention is given even to the smallest detail. An example: the wheel trims on all three versions (1.6, 1.8 and turbodiesel) have a tastefully engraved central insert in stainless steel displaying the brand shield.
Above all, the changes introduced on the Lancia Delta HPE reinforce the car's sporty temperament. This is particularly evident on the 1.6 version which now has the same aggressive look characteristic of the more powerful versions. The front track is wider and the front wings are rounded. In the previous version the sideskirts were less pronounced: now they are identical to those on the 1.8. Also the rear spoiler has become standard equipment.
The already aggressive HPE 1.8 now has larger, more sporty wheels - similar to those on the renowned original Lancia Delta model of which the HPE represents the continuation of a proud tradition. In fact, it is now fitted with 15" wheels and 205 mm tyres.
The most evident changes, however, are to be found on the HPE 2.0 HF, the car at the top of the range that has also been chosen to represent the new Lancia Delta image in publicity campaigns. Two guiding principles: on the one hand, make the car more recognisable and guarantee a greater visual impact; on the other, further enhance the look so that it corresponds more closely to the car's performance, given that its 193 bhp makes it the most powerful C segment saloon on the market.
Thanks to redesigned bumpers, spoiler and sideskirts (the aerodynamic kit that is standard on the 2.0 is available as an option for the 1.8), the image of the Lancia Delta HPE 2.0 HF as a high-technology and aggressive Granturismo model is reinforced. And at the same time it continues to express the brand's characteristic elegance. In the lower front section the large black air intake opens up beneath the lip formed by the front bumpers. The wider rear bumper now follows a more vertical line, that definitely gives the rear end a solider, sturdier look. The sideskirts curve away from the body, adding both width to the car and - together with the more pronounced, wrap-around spoiler - improve the car's already excellent aerodynamic performance.
The new 16" wheels with 215 mm tyres, together with the steering box complex and new suspension settings further improve driveability and roadholding. And to travel in maximum safety - without forgoing comfort - the Lancia Delta 2.0 HF can also boast controlled damping suspension among its available options.
Interiors and equipment
Distinctive features of the Lancia brand have always been attention to comfort and "quality of life" on board, in addition to the search for refined elegance where every last detail counts.
On the Lancia Delta 5-door in particular, the Control System and twin body colour electric door mirrors with incorporated defroster have now become standard equipment. The driver's seat has height and lumbar adjustment and the central armrest between the rear seats is now a standard feature. The two-section rear seat has head-restraints and arm-rests and can be folded down. And lastly, improvements have also been made to the quality of the upholstery: comfortable seats in Alcantara are offered as standard while the options include the more sporty Recaro leather and Alcantara seats (standard on the 2.0 HF).
The facia on the Lancia Delta 2.0 HF has been made even more attractive through the use of carbon-effect deep printing on the climate control surround, air ducts and ashtray.
Both the Lancia Delta 5-door and HPE have a four-spoke steering wheel that is trimmed with leather on the 2.0 HF version. The shape of the wheel has now been standardised on all Lancia cars and this ensures both correct grip from the ergonomic standpoint and provides better visibility of switches.
The range of colours now includes a number of original, elegant and modern shades so that every purchaser of a Lancia Delta is offered a truly personalised choice. Among the colours available for both versions are Apollo Blue and Noble Red (metallescent) and Lightening Red (pastel). A highly original Sun Yellow will be available exclusively for the Lancia Delta HPE.
The engines
The Lancia Delta engines personify Lancia Granturismo spirit and "philosophy". In fact they always ensure pleasant driving: relaxing in the urban cycle, comfortable over long distances and, in the case of the HPE version, an effervescent and sporty performance.
Thanks to their sophisticated technology they offer excellent levels of power, smoothiness and performance but at the same time keep down fuel consumption. Among the other advantages to be emphasised are the levels of comfort, noiseless operation (the 1800 and 2000 versions are fitted with counter-rotating balancer shafts to eliminate vibrations), low emissions and reduced engine weight due to the lower number of components used.
Engines with different characteristics and temperament that can therefore meet the various requirements and tastes of every customer.
The 1.6 (1581 cc) 16-valve is youthful, fun to drive and offers excellent performance coupled with low fuel consumption. It belongs to the "Torque" engine family, so named because of their ability to deliver full, smooth torque at all times. Almost ninety percent of the maximum power output - 14.7 kgm at 4000 rpm - is already available at just 2000 rpm. This, together with an outstanding maximum power output (103 bhp at 5750 rpm), ensures a smooth, flexible and effortless driving experience. Maximum speed for the Delta 1.6 fitted with a spoiler is 190 km/h.
The 1.8 (1747 cc) 16-valve is sporty and technologically state-of-the-art. It is capable of performance levels that previously were only offered by 2 litre engines: a maximum power output of 130 bhp at 6300 rpm with torque of 16.7 kgm at 4300 rpm. Trends for both torque and power curves are also excellent. In fact this is the first Lancia engine fitted with variable valve timing (V.V.T.), an electronically controlled device that adapts the interval between valve aperture to the power output of the engine. This means that the combustion chamber intake cycle is optimised and so gives a flatter, wider and smoother torque curve. For customers this means a flexible and nippy engine that functions very smoothly even at minimum revs and under reduced load conditions.
The 2.0 HF Turbo (1995 cc) 16-valve is for the more demanding customer: truly a technological masterpiece. A low inertia turbo, 4-valve per cylinder feed and boost-drive (an electronically controlled turbocharged system) are just some of the solutions that contribute to rounding out its decidedly exuberant power: 193 bhp at 5500 rpm with a torque of 29.6 kgm at 3400 rpm. Top speed is 225 km/h. And the Viscodrive transmission system on the HPE 2.0 HF ensures superb roadholding and driveability whatever the conditions. In fact the viscous coupling delivers torque in a gradual and progressive manner, automatically regulating it to meet the demands of each drive wheel.
The 1.9 turbodiesel (1929 cc) with intercooler, also available in a catalytic version, offers a happy blend of top-class performance with low running costs. Torque and power values are among the best for its class: maximum torque is 18.9 kgm at 2500 rpm while the power delivered is 90 bhp at 4200 rpm. The result: a rate of acceleration and progression that are very near to those offered by conventional engines of similar capacity. With spoiler the Lancia Delta td reaches 180 km/h.