2009 lancia deltaDelta is an evocative name for Italian automaker Lancia. Conjuring up images of the first generation Lancia Delta Integrale - the turbocharged, all-wheel drive road car that was built to homologate Lancia's rally car - it's difficult to not associate Delta with the six consecutive WRC constructor's championships Lancia won between 1987 and 1992. The second generation car was discontinued in 1999 - by then transformed into a bland, underpowered, front-wheel drive econobox.

With the recent success of the Fiat Group in reviving much of its tarnished image, Lancia will be reviving the Delta for 2009 with a package that is more about elegance than it is sport. Based on the Fiat Bravo platform, the new Delta features an interesting, if not pretty, five-door hatchback profile with all the LED lighting, chrome accent trim, and panoramic sunroof one could want. Three engines will be available from launch, from a 120 horsepower four-cylinder gas burner, to a 1.6-liter diesel. Later, a range-topping 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection 200 horsepower engine will be available. Six-speed manual or automatic transmissions are both available, and Lancia claims over 1,000 unique configurations with its numerous trim and specification options.

2009 lancia delta