Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Lancia at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show

The Lancia stand looks for all the world like an elegant couture fashion showroom, remarkable for its sophisticated styling, with all the cars on show like so many gorgeous garments. The exhibition area is of huge stylistic appeal, predominantly in black, juxtaposed with pure white and stylish silver as an ideal match with the body shades of the cars on display. In the same way, the furnishings and materials used on the stand reflect the craftsmanship and quality of the Lancia model interiors. Lancia style in all its forms is all set to steal the scene in Bologna.
The same elegant looks are evident in the lounge area, where you can relax at the Lancia Café, a traditional meeting point for a rendezvous or quick aperitif. The café has also become an institution outside the motor shows, as demonstrated by its presence, in temporary form, at the last two film festivals – Cannes and the last two editions of the Venice Film Festival - that became a festival routine for actors and show business personalities; or in permanent form, to wit the opening of the first Lancia Lifestyle Lounge in Berlin this February (an innovative concept that combines the qualities of a lounge bar with those of a car exhibition space).
To make the atmosphere of the Bologna catwalk even more exclusive, a DJ will be on hand playing smooth club lounge music. Not to mention the fact that visitors can also discover the Lancia Boutique in the exhibition area in perfect harmony with the world of Fashion with its linear design made up of black lacquered panels divided by steel plates, damask designs and perforated glossy steel – where visitors can buy accessories and clothing bearing the Lancia name.
The Lancia stand, inspired by the world of couture fashion, is a veritable showcase for the brand. Here you can find out about and appreciate our sophisticated seasonal collection of cars. The centre of the exhibition area is occupied by two Lancia Deltas – the model that recently won a coveted Euro NCAP 5 star ranking – one equipped with the brand new 190 bhp 1.9 TwinTurbo and another in two-tone (black and white) livery with the lively 165 bhp 2.0 Multijet engine. In particular, the first car is powered by the 1.9 Twin Turbo MultiJet engine, the most powerful unit in its category, with a maximum power of 190 bhp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 2000 rpm. These figures give rise to record-breaking performance, including a top speed of 222 km/h and 7.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. Outstanding results are assured by major technical and performance innovations beginning with the adoption of two turbochargers (hence the name of Twin Turbo): one compact, low inertia unit to ensure a prompt and vigorous response from lower speeds, and one larger one to provide a very high power output. It should be noted that the high power delivery (approximately 100 bhp/litre) is a value so far reserved for out-and-out sporty petrol engines. An even more interesting statistic is the availability of no less than 300 Nm of torque at just 1250 rpm: this translates into an extremely ready response by the 1.9 Twin Turbo MultiJet engine to any demand from the customer and allows a truly gratifying drive in all situations.
The second focus of the stand is a Lancia Ypsilon VERSUS show car created with the Versace Group brand to confirm the strong bond between Lancia and the world of fashion. Together with Design and Cinema, Fashion is one of the brand's languages of reference, as is borne out by the choice of Lancia cars as official vehicles for the Milan fashion week. The car on show is fitted with the sparkling 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet (with particulate filter) and is distinguished by a Bronzino Bronze body and interior upholstery in brown leather, plus certain important features: including Blue&MeTM, a dual zone automatic climate control system, fog light, 16" alloy rims with an original bronze chrome finish.
The Ypsilon Moda Milano also treads the catwalk at the Bologna show as yet another exponent of Italian elegance and glamour. Italian fashion is world-renowned for its high quality products characterised by great style and elegance – and it comes as no surprise to learn from market statistics that style and elegance are among the most common reasons customers choose to buy the Lancia Ypsilon. The Ypsilon Moda Milano on show is equipped with a 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet engine and features a two-tone body (White and Titanium) with interior trim in black Starlite leather and Alcantara®. The equipment includes: fog light, automatic climate control system, particulate filter (DPF), two-tone 16'' alloy rims, Blue&MeTM and parking sensor.
The third and final focus of the Lancia stand is the Musa ‘Poltrona Frau’, the new top-of-the-range version of the City Limousine – the biggest selling MPV in Italy for nearly two years. This version combines two quintessential Italian designer names, i.e. the design styling, attention to detail and crafted two-tone paint finish typical of Lancia cars coupled with the exclusivity and sophistication of leather and the craftsmanship of Poltrona Frau. Two examples of this exclusive version are on show in Bologna: a two-tone (Venetian Alabaster and Masaccio Black) with red interior trim and a black version powered by the 120 bhp 1.6 Multijet (Euro 5) with leather interiors. Both cars offer a long list of equipment: automatic dual zone climate control, "Granluce" electric sun-roof, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), 6 airbags, options of great value such as Cruise Control, satellite navigation system with NAV controls on the steering wheel, Robotised DFN gearbox, Blue&Me system, parking sensor and radio with CD MP3 player.
Visitors to the show can also pick up information material to find out about products on offer from Fiat Group Automobiles Financial Services, a captive finance company created as a joint venture partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole. The company is present, in Italy and Europe, with a single mission: to support the sales of Group vehicles by offering innovative financial products incorporating high added value services that are aimed at private and fleet customers. The company also supports medium and long-term investments by the dealer network through the liquidity made possible by the joint venture. In particular, at the 2008 Motor Show, Sava (an operating division of Fiat Group Automobiles Financial Services and a leading provider of finance in Italy) is offering bespoke finance and hire packages for those who wish to buy the new Lancia Delta. In detail, “Lancia Più”, “Lancia Lease” and “Lancia Credit” are personalisable purchase packages at a beneficial rate that can be combined with exclusive insurance services. “Lancia First Lease” is a long-term hire package that meets all our customers’ mobility needs.

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