Lancia Delta reflects perfectly the concept of “Anticrisis Luxury” as it fulfils the current requirements of prestige and mobility thanks to the logic of downsizing – i.e. it ensures high quality and performance, reducing cost, size and fuel consumption. Thanks to these winning characteristics, in March this model became the leader of its car range in Italy and is fast growing at European level. In order to improve these results, today Lancia launches a new engine and a new version together with a number of technological changes that make this car the reference product for this car range.

The innovations of the 2009 range

The main innovation is represented by the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet engine, the most powerful one of its range. It is an innovative petrol direct injection engine that confirms Lancia’s preference for sports cars and, at the same time, its commitment to protect the environment by limiting emissions and fuel consumption.

These qualities are achieved by enhancing its brilliance, flexibility and the pleasure of driving which have always made this model stand out. This engine is produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – and is provided with a modern 6 speed automatic transmission. It delivers a maximum power of 200 HP (147 kw) at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm (32.6 Kgm) at 1,400 rpm. With such equipment, Lancia Delta can reach a maximum speed of 230 km/h and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.4 seconds. At the same time, the car stands out for low fuel consumption (7.8 litres per 100 km), reduced CO₂ emissions (185 g/km) and a Euro 5 homologation.

The second innovation is the exclusive Executive version: a car addressed to clients who look for top luxury and comfort. The “top range” was designed to fulfil the requirements of business clients and members of the diplomatic and institutional worlds – as the attention invested in designing a comfortable passenger compartment shows. Seats are wrap around and comfortable as they are designed to business class standards. The back seats are comfortable for long trips with plenty of room for the legs. Therefore, Lancia Delta Executive offers a real, modern, in tune with the time alternative to bigger, heavier and more expensive cars. The fact this car was chosen to be the Official Car for the 9^th World Summit of the Nobel Peace Prize held from 11^th to 13^th December 2008 in Paris – of which Lancia was the Main Sponsor – is not a coincidence. A Lancia Delta Executive fleet will also drive the international authorities to the G8 summit that will take place from the 8^th to the 10^th of July.

Lastly, the third innovation of the Lancia Delta 2009 range is represented by the marketing of some innovative devices aimed at making driving a comfortable and pleasant experience. First of all, there are the electronic suspensions with a variable damping system (Reactive Suspension System), capable of reducing car vibrations and ensuring maximum levels of safety, comfort and driveability. Then there is the brand new Sportronic 6 gear automatic transmission with controls on the steering wheelsis represented by the semi-automatic parking system called “Magic Parking”. (currently the device is provided with only a 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet engine). The last technological innovation of the Lancia Delta

All these technological innovations – together with the self-adaptive bi-xenon headlights (Adaptive Xenon Light) and the integrated satellite navigator (Instant Nav) – were made thanks to the cooperation between the Brand and Magneti Marelli. We cannot forget that the cooperation between Fiat Group Automobiles, Magneti Marelli and Microsoft has given birth to Blue&Me^TM, a system complete with Telecom service functions – which Lancia Delta is the first one to offer – together with hands free, music player and navigation functions.

Film stars choose Lancia Delta

Lancia Delta was engaged for the Columbia Sony Pictures “Angels and Demons” new film kolossal. This film, inspired by Dan Brown’s bestseller of the same title, is on the same line of the “The Da Vinci Code” and is also directed by Ron Howard, with Tom Hanks in the role of professor Langdon. Lancia celebrates this important product placement with a Delta Special Series that enhances the double soul of this model: an angel in terms of carbon emission and a devil in terms of performances. The proof is in the two engines available for this version, the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet and the 190 HP 1.9 TwinTurbo, which ensure a better CO₂/HP ratio for this range – i.e. maximum power for minimum emissions. The same winning features can be found in the other two models that make up the “Première Collection”: 105 HP Ypsilon 1.3 Multijet and 95 HP Musa 1.3 Multijet.

The Lancia Delta Limited Range, which is characterized by its pastel colours, a white main body and a polished black roof, has elegant interiors with a black leather and “Sport” Alcantara® covering. The rich equipment makes this range even more interesting: from the climate control system to the fog lights, from the CD MP3 radio to the steering wheels in leather with radio controls, from the Blue&Me^TM system to the alloy wheels.

For the movie launch of “Angel and Demons” scheduled for the 15^th May, Lancia has decided to launch an original communication campaign that goes under the slogan “One angel, 200 demons”. Actions, performance and temperament: these three concepts dominate the commercial that, thanks to an agreement with Sony Pictures, exclusively shows some of the film shots of which the new 200 HP Delta 1.8 Di TurboJet is the protagonist. The press campaign is as sensational as the film as it combines one of the most emblematic film shots with a double image of the new Delta which clearly refers to its double soul: angelic on the outside, but with 200 demons inside. Lastly, a banner campaign and a web competition organised with the help of Sony Pictures, whose prize is of course a Lancia Delta, are about to be launched on the Internet.

However, the relationship between Delta and the film industry does not stop with the new “Angels and Demons” movie. The exclusive sedan was launched at international level with a commercial that is a true short film starring Richard Gere in the main role and with a soundtrack composed by the master, Oscar winning Ennio Morricone.

Furthermore, for the 9^th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prizes, a film was produced to support Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and prisoner of her own country. In Italy, the commercial was supposed to have the voice of Dario Fo as the narrator, a winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Lancia Delta is increasingly the car chosen by stars. Since last year, this model has been the Official Car of the most prestigious film festivals sponsored by Brand: following its launch at the 65^th Venice Film Festival, a fleet of Delta cars drove cinema stars to the red carpets in Rome, Milan and Turin.

The strengths of the new engine

The entire world acknowledges the fact that the Italian motoring school has always had the ability to produce gritty and temperamental engines, true “jewels” that are the result of the experience and passion of the engineers matched with their technical competencies acquired over years. The new 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet (Euro 5) is no exception.

The new engine is produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – and has a maximum power of 200 HP (147 kw) at 5,000 rpm and a maximum drive torque of 320 Nm (32.6 Kgm) at 1,400 rpm. Thanks to its combination with a 6 gear automatic/sequential transmission, the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet provides an exciting and unmatchable drive: it can reach a maximum speed of 230 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. In spite of these amazing performances, fuel consumption and emissions are surprisingly low: respectively 7.8 l/100km in the combined cycle and 185 g/km of CO₂.

Thus, these innovative engines prove Lancia Automobiles’ commitment to protecting the environment by containing emissions as well as reducing fuel consumption. All this is achieved by enhancing brilliance, flexibility and the pleasure of driving which have always made this model stand out. In order to achieve these extraordinary results, the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet introduces petrol direct injection, turbocharging and an exhaust and intake double continuous phase transformer. The merging of these different technological solutions offers important advantages to clients such as the direct injection which means low fuel consumption for high engine performance. Furthermore, the turbocharger associated with the double phase transformer enables quick acceleration thanks to a particularly favourable drive torque curve.

Here are the details of all the innovations of the new 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet which was designed and developed by engineers of FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the sector of Fiat Group that provides innovation, design, plan and production activities for engines and gearboxes of all uses: from cars to industrial vehicles, from boats to agricultural machines. With about 20,000 employees, 16 plants and 11 research centres located in 9 different countries, this Sector represents a most significant presence in the field of engines at world level. In FPT, about 3,000 highly specialized engineers work on innovation technologies development and automation. The over 40 patents registered every year show quality and reliability of this group, making FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – a great centre of technological excellence and constant innovation.

The Scavenging Technology

The amazing performances of this engine are a result of the application of the Scavenging technology which maximizes the drive torque at very low rpm by guaranteeing an incredible engine response speed to any driver request.

Scavenging can be obtained by controlling and optimising at every instant engine parameters such as dosage, position of the two phase transformers, ignition advance and injection timing. Basically, it is possible to define the angle and overlapping time of the valves with extreme precision in order to generate direct air flow from the intake to the exhaust manifolds and start the turbocharger in very short times. This means the engine can make better use of the supercharging when compared to standard turbocharged petrol engines. The system is managed by an innovative engine management control unit integrating an extremely modern software which manages all parameters. The result is remarkable: the maximum drive torque at 1,400 rpm increases by 70% compared to traditional turbo engines and response times are halved, getting close to those of aspirated engines.

Direct injection

The direct injection reduces the temperatures in the combustion chambers through the evaporation of fuel and lowers the knock sensitivity. This enables the engine to achieve great performances even for a moderately high compression ratio (equal to 9.5) and ensures limited fuel consumption at a “partial” speed.

The direct injection system is essential in reducing emissions thanks to an advanced strategy of double injection. Furthermore, thanks to the direct control of fuel, it is possible to avoid some of the petrol getting directly to the exhaust manifold during the scavenging with negative effects on the catalytic converter’s functionality. Lastly, this injection system of second generation is provided with a new high pressure pump (capable of managing petrol pressure of 150 bar) and innovative injectors with 7 holes that guarantee ideal evaporation for all operating conditions.

Double phase transformer

The two continuous phase transformers on the intake and exhaust camshafts enable phase optimisation at any speed and engine load by reducing fuel consumption and emissions as much as possible. Moreover, by combining the two transformers with the turbocharger, it is possible to manage the Scavenging strategy by defining the correct overlapping during the transitory phases. In this way it is possible to respond to a sudden driver request by maximising the engine’s response speed at low rpm.

Turbo

This engine is provided with a new generation turbocharger connected to an innovative “Pulse Converter”-type exhaust manifold which optimises the use of exhaust pressure waves to increment the driving torque at low speeds. Both manifold and turbine are made of microcast steel so that they can reach very high working temperatures (up to a maximum of 1020 °C). This is very important for reducing consumption while operating at medium/high speed – i.e. on a motorway.

Thermal Fluid Dynamics

The intake ducts were designed and optimised by using mono and three-dimensional calculation technologies through which it was possible to obtain a correct and high turbulence level. Even the combustion chamber was optimised by using wide squish areas and by minimising area/volume ratios with clear benefits in terms of combustion efficiency. Lastly, the exhaust ducts were designed to work in tune with the exhaust manifold and maximise its pulse converter effect.

“Friction”

The entire engine was made with the aim of minimising friction losses. The pistons are provided with piston rings with a reduced tangent load and are made of advanced materials to minimise wear and tear. Furthermore, the engine cylinder head was designed with two roller rocker arms placed on the valve control which reduce losses by friction of 65% at 2000 rpm compared to direct command. This is a typical solution adopted for Brand Premium engines.

The mechanic optimisation with very long rods combined with a moderately short travel has resulted in a drop of vibrations which are typical of four cylinder engines operating at very high speeds. As it wasn’t necessary to utilize balancing countershafts, the weight was further optimised and consequently, the fuel consumption was reduced.

Performances

The Scavenging strategy combined with the innovative control system has allowed this engine to reach new benchmarks in terms of performance. The specific drive torque (185 Nm/l) is extremely high, one of the highest among the engines available nowadays. Furthermore, we can confidently say that the maximum drive torque value (320 Nm) achieved at 1400 rpm represents a point of absolute excellence. This value ensures excellent performances in terms of acceleration and allows a greater car response without having to change gear frequently. Lastly, the high specific power of 115 HP/l can be reached at a relatively low speed of 5,000 rpm and remains constant up to 5,500 rpm.

In brief, the 200 HP 1.8 Di Turbo Jet E5 drive torque is comparable to the one of an aspirated V6 engine which is almost twice its displacement. However, thanks to the downsizing philosophy, it was possible to reduce the weight with great efficiency benefits.

Emissions

One of the main priorities of FTP – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – engineers was to guarantee a low level of emissions together with excellent performances, in line with the Lancia Automobiles’ philosophy which places the protection of the environment at the core of its products’ design and improvement. Just like the Lancia Delta diesel engines (the 190 HP 1.9 Twin Turbo MultiJet, 120 HP 1.6 MultiJet and 165 HP 2.0 MultiJet), the brand new 1.8 Di Turbo Jet 200HP E5 was Euro 5 approved even before the standard enforcement date.

Delta Executive, The new Lancia flagship

The Delta Executive marketing campaign will be launched in correspondence with the launch of the new engine: a top range equipment that meets the requirements of the most refined clients who are keen on technologies but also able to appreciate the importance of traditions, those clients who look for a consistent as well as exclusive and prestigious product. They are entrepreneurs, managers, professionals – but also representatives of the institutional and diplomatic world – who are able to integrate conceptually opposing values such as tradition and innovation, rationality and emotions.

Delta Executive is aimed at clients who look for greater elegance and comfort as it offers exclusive rear seats which provide the same comfort as business class seats on an intercontinental flight. Furthermore, the comfort of the Delta model’s rear seats is the best one for this range of cars, proving how Lancia has paid maximum attention to the quality of the space for the passengers as well as for the drivers. Therefore, the exclusive Executive version is the perfect car for prestigious PR services.

On the outside, Delta Executive stands out for its two colours (a light bronze body and a “Eclissi” polished black roof), its diamond-cut two colour alloy wheels, its golden “D” logo on the pillar and its “Delta” writing on the rear window, as well as for its specific fog light trims. On the inside, Lancia Delta Executive offers quality seats with new wrap around headrests covered in Frau “pieno fiore” beige leather with chocolate piping, black leather dashboard and gearbox frame with black lacquered inserts, double smoked courtesy light on top deck and leather covers embellished with new and elegant beige and chocolate stitching.

The new version can be equipped with the powerful 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet (Euro 5) combined with the Sportronic automatic transmission or with the two 190 HP 1.9 Twin Turbo MultiJet and 165 HP 2.0 MultiJet turbodiesel engines. The exclusive Executive version was designed following the Delta Platino blueprint. If offers as standard “Reactive Suspension System” electronic suspensions with a variable damping system, rear parking sensors, 6 airbags, dual zone automatic climate control system, Granluce sunroof, Instant Nav satellite navigator, Absolute Handling System with DST (Drive Steering Torque), fog lights with cornering function and front armrests with cooling compartment.

Systems and technologies of the last generation

Though sticking with the Lancia traditions, the Delta model makes a significant step forward in terms of technological innovations applied to dynamic driving, safety and comfort. The best example of this is the adoption of last generation systems and devices – some introduced for the first time in this range of cars – capable of making any trip, even the shortest one, very pleasant. Here are three great features now available in the Lancia Delta range.

Sportronic: 6 gear automatic transmission

The combination of the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet with a 6 gear automatic transmission enhances even further the flexibility and prompt reaction of this car, making changing gear in Lancia Delta very fluid, responding to client requirements and adapting both to a comfortable and to a sports drive.

In particular, the transmission stands out for being light and compact as well as being designed to reduce fuel consumption: on one hand, the use of low friction oil has enabled the designers to improve the engine’s efficiency; on the other hand, the introduction of a sixth gear makes driving on a motorway much easier. The accurate management software assesses different road conditions and adapts the driveability to them through a set of functions such as: braking assist, gradient assessment, bend, sport or comfort drive.

Lastly, the pleasant drive is enhanced by the opportunity to choose between “Winter” “Norm” and “Sport” programs, as well as the manual setting (TIP). The controls placed on the steering wheels make Delta a real sports car.

Electronic suspensions with variable damping system (Reactive Suspension System)

The suspension’s layout adopted by Lancia Delta is based on an established architecture which was optimised in terms of comfort and lightness: the front suspension is a MacPherson with mechanic crossmember and track control arms optimised for the new load conditions. A solution of torsional axle and anti-roll bar was chosen for the rear axle in order to achieve excellent drive performances.

But the great innovation of this model is represented by the introduction of a feature realised with the help of Magneti Marelli: the innovative oscillation damping system (Reactive Suspension System) which up to now had been used only in high range cars and which now Fiat Group has decided to use for the first time ever in a medium range car. In detail, the Reactive Suspension System – using real time electronic control of the shock absorbers – reduces car oscillations in all driving conditions. In this way, higher levels of safety, comfort and driveability are guaranteed. Thanks to some sensors, the system assesses driving and road surface conditions and then selects the most appropriate control settings. Among these, there is a function called “Sky-Hook” which enables to isolate the passenger compartment making it stress-free.

Furthermore, thanks to the high calculation capacity of the electronic control unit and the instant and accurate response of the solenoid valves, the system neutralises all disturbances caused by the irregular road surface and allows excellent dynamic control even for a sports drive (selectable) by increasing steering manageability and control.

Last but not least, the “Reactive Suspension System” reduces the braking distance (by about 5% thanks to a perfect ground/wheel contact) and guarantees a prompt reaction in the event of an emergency manoeuvre with, as a consequence, easy recovery of the safety conditions.

Semi-automatic parking support system (Magic Parking)

Looking for a parking space is often a difficult task, especially in cities with heavy traffic. Besides, once you find a space, parking can be quite difficult given the lack of available room. For this reason, Lancia Delta is provided with an innovative parking support system which helps the driver first to identify a good parking spot and then to make the right parking manoeuvres. First of all, the system measures the length of the space and informs the driver whether this length is sufficient to park the car.

Then the system enables the car to steer automatically once the reverse gear is engaged. In this way, the only thing the driver must do is regulate the speed of the car by using the accelerator and brake pedals.

The driver can park his/her car in a parallel parking space with only one manoeuvre. In this way, the available free room is optimised and the number of manoeuvres required to park the car minimised. Obviously, the driver has full control of the entire operation by operating the pedals and can de-activate the system at any time by regaining control of the steering wheel or by moving out of reverse gear or, alternatively, by pressing the dedicated button.

More in details, the radar sensor installed on the right and left hand side of the car, on the inside of the front bumper, is at the core of this system. A radar beam is shone to the right (or left) and the echoes are picked up by the sensor which then reconstruct the map of the area between the parked cars, “sees” any available space and identifies possible obstacles. At the same time, by analysing the wheel speed, the system is able to measure the length of free areas.

Should the measured length be compatible with the size of the car plus 130 cm (65 cm in front and 65 cm at the back), with a total car space length of at least 5.82 m, the driver is then informed of the presence of a suitable parking space. An acoustic alarm signals the presence of the parking space and, at the same time, the display shows the number of manoeuvres required to park.

If the driver considers the identified parking space as suitable and engages the reverse gear, the system takes automatic control of the side dynamic of the car through the electric steering by allowing the driver to remove his/her hands from the steering wheel and control the movement exclusively by operating the accelerator and brake pedals. In this phase, the maximum allowed speed is 7 km/h. To turn system off it is enough to regain control of the steering wheel.